University of Southern Alabama REU: Bioarchaeology of Bronze Age Social Systems

Opportunity Description:

The Bioarchaeology of Bronze Age Social Systems NSF-REU Site supports the training of undergraduate students in conducting collaborative research– from hypothesis formation to data collection, analysis, public outreach, and publication. Complementary instruction in professional development, ethics, and statistical modules are also incorporated in the program’s curriculum.

Housed at the Center for Archaeological Studies at the University of South Alabama, teams of students collaborate with an interdisciplinary group of dynamic scientists while conducting original research on two Arabian Bronze Age skeletal collections (2400-2100 BCE) over an eight-week period. As part of these independent research projects, students will examine how alternative pathways to social complexity were embodied in ancient human skeletal remains and reflected in burial traditions.

As part of this REU, students will:

• Conduct hands-on, bioarchaeological research on archaeological human skeletal remains using cutting-edge techniques and technology
• Engage with guest scientists with expertise in bioarchaeology who will provide guidance and mentorship throughout the research process
• Investigate and apply theoretical concepts involving social complexity, agency, and identity to research results
• Undergo training on how to effectively disseminate research to both academics and the broader public
• Communicate with members of the local community in the United Arab Emirates to share their project findings using weekly blogs, social media posts, posters, and digital stories
• Receive mentorship in professional development via guest scientists and with established summer undergraduate research workshops at the University of South Alabama
• Critique scholarly discussions and engage in debate surrounding the ethics of working with human remains.
• Design and present a conference poster detailing research results at the American Association of Physical Anthropologists’ annual meeting

Student travel, housing, field trip fees, and some meals will be covered by the REU in addition to a $500/week stipend.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

Eligibility requirements: As per the guidelines of the National Science Foundation, REU fellowships are available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only. Fellowships are available to undergraduates enrolled as a full-time student at college or university through at least December 2022. If you plan to graduate in May 2022, you are NOT eligible to apply. This program is open to undergraduate students at any level from freshmen through senior year.

Application Process: 

Those students interested in applying for the Summer 2022 NSF-REU program should:

1. Complete and submit the online application using this link. Please answer all questions completely; failure to do so will cause your application to be discarded without review.
2. Provide the following information:
   1. Two letters of recommendation, to be submitted electronically by faculty. Please send your recommenders this link so they can access the recommendation form.
   2. An official transcript that includes your current GPA. Please arrange to have your transcript sent electronically to: bioarch.nsfreu@gmail.com OR mailed as a hard copy to Dr. Lesley Gregoricka, University of South Alabama, 5991 USA Drive North, HUMB 34, Mobile, AL 36688-0002
   3. If you have received a COVID vaccine, a photo of your vaccine card,  which can be emailed to: bioarch.nsfreu@gmail.com.  Please use the subject line: 2022 COVID vaccine card

This is a highly competitive program; as such, please give yourself (and your professors) ample time to complete the requested forms.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to see that all materials (including letters and transcripts) arrive on time. DO NOT contact Dr. Gregoricka or Dr. Ullinger to see if materials have arrived – check with the source for that information.

If you have any questions as you prepare your application, please email Dr. Gregoricka and Dr. Ullinger at bioarch.nsfreu@gmail.com.

Application Deadline: