Analysis of artifacts from prehistoric and historic archaeological sites.  Archaeological science, particularly micro analysis in archaeology: soil chemistry, microartifact analysis, paleoethnobotany, ceramic thin sections.

Each year the department provides financial support to allow sophomore or junior political science majors to engage in summer experiential learning that is related to their political science studies. Experiences could include an internship or work with a non-profit public service organization. Support is not provided for undergraduate research or for professional development oriented work experiences.

Undergrads participate in ongoing research projects involving biophysical study of protein-DNA interactions and chromosome structure.  Methods involved include piconewton (single-molecule scale) micromechanics and visualization studies, with associated molecular and cell biological work, and instrumentation development.  Past students have carried out single-molecule studies of topoisomerases, mechanical properties of chromosomes, and have contributed significantly to instrumentation and software development.  I stress independence of the researchers in my lab, and se

We study the transformations of carbon on the Earth’s surface in both terrestrial and marine environments. A current focus of our research concerns how carbon is naturally sequestered in soils and sediments. Undergraduate participation may range from assisting graduate students with projects to performing independent research. Access to instrumentation such as FTIR and GCMS is possible.