Background
I began my work in archaeology in the American West, where I became interested in how material traces reflect broader patterns of cultural change and continuity. An unexpected opportunity to work in archaeology collections management at the Bishop Museum in 2011 shifted my focus to the culture and history of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. My experience bridges academic research and professional practice in archaeology and heritage preservation and prioritizes community collaboration. I have nearly a decade of experience in museum and heritage management in Hawaiʻi and have done similar work in several Western states. Reflecting this broad background, my teaching emphasizes hands-on learning and practical training to prepare students for meaningful work in community-based heritage management.
Education
- PhD, Anthropology, William & Mary, 2020
- MA, Anthropology, University of Denver, 2006
- BA, Sociology/Anthropology, Hendrix College, 2002
Courses
- ANTH 380: Archaeological Lab Techniques
- ANTH 381: Archaeological Field Techniques
- ANTH 471: Field Mapping
Specializations
Archaeology, Historical Anthropology, Heritage Management, Archaeological Collections Management, Material Culture
Research
My research explores how Indigenous communities in Hawaiʻi and the broader Pacific sustain cultural and social life across multiple scales by balancing strategies of persistence and adaptation. Using archaeological techniques alongside archival, oral-historical, and visual sources, I integrate diverse data sets and draw on existing archaeological collections to identify broader cultural and historical patterns. Rooted in household archaeology, my work examines how people shape the spaces they inhabit and how they reuse and give new meaning to everyday objects through the routine actions of daily life. I am especially interested in how communities engage with the past in the present and how these connections inform practical approaches to heritage management and cultural stewardship today.
Community Engagement
Community engagement has long been an important part of my work as an archaeologist. I have been fortunate to collaborate with organizations such as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kamehameha Schools, Hawaiʻi State Parks, and numerous other community groups on projects involving stewardship, educational programming, and museum collections care. During my time at the Bishop Museum, I had the opportunity to support exhibit design, coordinate student internship programs, and help develop public education initiatives. I have served three previous terms on the Board of Directors of the Society for Hawaiian Archaeology and currently hold the role of Vice President. My work centers on encouraging students to engage with heritage in ways that strengthen community connections.