Teaching interests

I feel that research should not be excluded from the teaching and learning environment, which is why I conduct research on the use of Web 2.0 in classrooms. I became involved with the Museum of Underwater Archaeology their online journal in 2007 through my interests in both teaching and public outreach. This journal allows archaeology students to reflect and write about their learning experiences while at the same time engaging with the general public. Self-reflection during the learning process is important, but equally important is demonstrating to the students that they are part of a larger community that is obligated to communicate with the public. I also use Wikipedia assignments and blog assignments in the classroom in an effort to produce students who are producers of knowledge rather than just consumers. I will continue to incorporate new technology in the classroom in an effort to engage the millennial and net generations and to test the capabilities of its usefulness as a teaching and learning tool over time.

Topic Coordinator:

• ARCH2107  Laboratory Methods and Data Analysis
• ARCH3208  Coastal and Underwater Archaeology
• ARCH3309  Maritime Archaeology Field School
• ARCH8010  Advanced Practicum in Maritime Archaeology
• ARCH8011  Methods in Underwater Archaeology
• ARCH8102  Coastal and Underwater Archaeology
• ARCH8103  Maritime Archaeology Field School
• ARCH8104  Issues in Maritime and Underwater Archaeology
• ARCH8108  Ships: Research, Recording and Reconstruction
• ARCH8109  Practicum in Maritime Archaeology
• ARCH8154  Underwater Cultural Heritage Management

Topic Lecturer:

• ARCH1001  Introduction to Archaeology
• ARCH1002  World Archaeology

Research interests

My research interests and experience involve Spanish colonial archaeology sites, specifically Spanish mission sites, landing sites, and shipwrecks. My experience on Spanish sites began in 1997 at a 16th century site in St. Augustine, Florida. In 2000 and 2001 I spent two field seasons excavating 17th century Spanish mission sites in Tallahassee, Florida. My Masters thesis (2002) investigated a 17th century Spanish landing site in the St. Marks River, where goods were transported to inland missions. In 2004 I participated in a survey of 13 Spanish shipwrecks (1733 fleet) off the Florida Keys and an unknown 17th century Spanish shipwreck (Mystery Wreck) off Vaca Key in 2005.

Recently I am conducting research into Spanish efforts in Micronesia, specifically the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Spanish cultural heritage continues to play a role in social, cultural and political developments in Micronesia and can contribute to a broader understanding of Indigenous and Spanish histories on the Pacific. Thus Spanish cultural heritage should be appropriately identified and incorporated into a cultural heritage management and research framework in the CNMI. Unfortunately, this is not the case and this heritage is long overdue for serious investigation and research in the CNMI.

As a result, in 2009 I developed a project to investigate the potential for research on Spanish cultural heritage in the CNMI. This project  included documenting Spanish cultural heritage by identifying known and potential heritage recorded in disparate sources such as grey literature, primary and secondary historical sources located in library, archive and museum holdings and conversations with heritage practitioners. The methodology included a thematic assessment framework whereby known and potential heritage sites were categorised into themes and sub-themes. The results of this project have been published and current funding is being sought for research on specific sites.

*See section below on Community Engagement for more research interests.

Two important areas of research within the field of maritime archaeology are cultural heritage management and maritime heritage tourism. Heritage managers are specifically concerned with the requirement to balance human impacts with the protection of submerged archaeological sites. Now more than ever it is important to create sustainable programs for submerged heritage in which historical, economic and socio-political needs are considered. My approach to this process involves collaborative research - I feel that management decisions and strategies should be supported by solid research and that researchers should work with managers to ensure the best possible outcomes for their heritage.

Currently I am directing a research project which takes a scholarly, theoretical and practical perspective to exploring the strategies and issues involved in creating a heritage trail for sustainable heritage tourism in Saipan, CNMI. The development of a WWII underwater heritage trail focussing on the Battle of Saipan has recently been undertaken. This trail was formulated out of the interest of the local Historic Preservation Office's desire to protect and interpret its underwater cultural heritage. Through a American Battlefield Protection Program grant in collaboration with a non-profit, Ships of Exploration and Discovery Research, this trail was developed during 2009-2010. Click here for Prezi.

The development of a heritage trail that interprets such a confronting, painful and tragic even for multiple culture groups is a difficult task. A balanced approach of interpreting battlefield heritage can only be achieved through the identification and inclusion of the various stakeholders and an awareness of what is being included, ignored or inadequately represented in the interpretation. Listening to the multiple stakeholders' views about the significance of such sites and incorporating those views into interpretive and management practices is key to an inclusive and shared interpretation. Further, an awareness and acknowledgment of the social and political context in which one is working is fundamental to understanding how practitioners negotiate this process.