
NSF Org: |
OPP Office of Polar Programs (OPP) |
Recipient: |
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Initial Amendment Date: | July 20, 2023 |
Latest Amendment Date: | July 20, 2023 |
Award Number: | 2236813 |
Award Instrument: | Standard Grant |
Program Manager: |
Roberto Delgado
robdelga@nsf.gov (703)292-2397 OPP Office of Polar Programs (OPP) GEO Directorate for Geosciences |
Start Date: | August 15, 2023 |
End Date: | July 31, 2028 (Estimated) |
Total Intended Award Amount: | $699,527.00 |
Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $699,527.00 |
Funds Obligated to Date: |
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History of Investigator: |
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Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
1000 E UNIVERSITY AVE LARAMIE WY US 82071-2000 (307)766-5320 |
Sponsor Congressional District: |
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Primary Place of Performance: |
1000 E UNIVERSITY AVE DEPARTMENT 3434 LARAMIE WY US 82071-2000 |
Primary Place of
Performance Congressional District: |
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Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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Parent UEI: |
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NSF Program(s): |
ASSP-Arctic Social Science, Archaeology |
Primary Program Source: |
01002324DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT |
Program Reference Code(s): |
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Program Element Code(s): |
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Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.075, 47.078 |
ABSTRACT
This project refines reconstructions of subsistence traditions in central Alaska by applying traditional knowledge and isotopic analysis to the interpretation of archaeological hearth remains. Isotopic data from over fifty legacy collections and remains of experimental cooking features will be analyzed to reconstruct past subsistence practices. Experimental and legacy hearth residues will be compared with newly excavated hearths recovered through targeted excavations at two sites in different ecological settings in the middle Tanana Valley. Research will be combined with mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities for Alaska Native youth at summer culture camps. Undergraduate and graduate students as well as one post-doctoral researcher will benefit from field- and lab-based training and educational opportunities.
This project employs 1) isotopic and molecular analysis of legacy and experimental hearth remains; 2) targeted excavation at two sites in central Alaska, Swan Point and Niidhaayh Na?; 3) analysis of newly recovered archaeological materials; and 4) interpretation and synthesis of results with community stakeholders. The isotopic, molecular, macrobotanical, and artifactual data collected during this project will be used to reconstruct late Pleistocene and early Holocene subsistence, diet breadth, and paleoclimate. The PI will test hypotheses regarding use of upland and lowland ecological zones and resource availability relative to environmental conditions and demographic pressures. Anticipated outcomes include a traveling educational exhibit, peer-reviewed journal articles, multiple research assistantships and master?s theses, one dissertation, and two years of training, mentorship, and research experience for a postdoctoral scholar. This award positions a promising researcher for an interdisciplinary STEM career as an engaged teacher and productive Arctic scientist.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
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