Geoarchaeological Testing of Soils from St. Croix (US Virgin Islands)
Kent Lightfoot, Professor
Anthropology
Applications for Fall 2024 are closed for this project.
This project is an opportunity for URAP students to participate in the lab-based analysis of soils excavated from the Estate Little Princess, a sugar plantation that was active on St. Croix (US Virgin Islands) from 1749 through the 1940s. Over the course of the semester students will be trained in the basic principles of archaeology, geology, and geoarchaeology while conducting soils tests that will help us better understand the long term environmental impacts of sugar planting, a widespread agricultural practice in the Caribbean, American Southeast, and Central America during the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
Selected students will have the opportunity to work in the USDA certified Soils Lab and Wet Lab within the Archaeological Research Facility (ARF) at UC Berkeley.
Role: URAP Tasks may include but are not limited to:
-Preparation of charts, tables, and figures demonstrating soil test results (from previous semesters)
-Preparation of Step by Step lab testing instructions based on provided resources
-Soils cataloging and soil specimen collections management
-Documentation of test results and preparation of narrative notes
-Test equipment and soil specimen clean up
-Assisting with other soil tests preparation, analysis, and presentation as required for the project
While the majority of tests for this project have already been completed, there is the possibility of participating in the various types of tests listed below (on an as needed basis)
-Munsell color analysis of soils
-Grain size analysis
-Visual analysis of field collected photographs of soil
profiles and shovel test environs
Qualifications: Students with a background in, or interest in archaeology, geology, chemistry, or the earth sciences are especially encouraged to apply. This work requires attention to detail and an ability to complete assigned tasks independently (after instruction is provided).
Interested student should contact project Principal Investigator Ben Siegel (ben.siegel@berkeley.edu) with a letter of interest including a brief description of your related background and experience, and your weekly availability (days of the week and hours within each day) to participate in lab activities during the Fall 2024 semester. Promising applicants will be asked to attend an interview where further details regarding the project will be provided and applicants will be given the opportunity to ask any questions they may have about the URAP opportunity.
3-5 hours a week is the minimum level of commitment required, but students may be able to take on additional hours for additional course credit hours if they wish. This option will be discussed during the interview.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Benjamin Siegel, Ph.D. candidate
Hours: 3-5 hrs
Social Sciences