Anthropology

Research Interests

I am interested the intersection of technology and archaeology, mainly in how archaeologists use technology to better understand the sites they excavate. I use a variety of these technologies myself to assist in archaeological survey, and to piece together a life history of sites through the intersection of these digital spheres. I specialize in remote sensing: GIS (QGIS and ArcGIS), Surveying (RTK and GPS), LiDAR, and coding languages (R and Python).

My current projects include a best practice survey of the town of Newnansville in Florida, told through GIS and archival records in combination with ground survey, under the direction of Dr. Sassaman. I am also working on LiDAR data analysis of the Ocmulgee Mound National Historical Park in Georgia, under the direction of Dr. Schroeder in partner with the National Park Service.

I am currently part of the Laboratory of Southeastern Archaeology under Dr. Ken Sassaman, and the Landscape Archaeology & Remote Sensing Laboratory under Dr. Whit Schroder.

Keywords: Public archaeology, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), LiDAR, cultural resource management, human-environment interactions, Southeastern US

Selected Publications and Presentations

Sampson, M. (2024). LinkedIn Profile Features and Checklist; Deciding About Graduate School; Navigating Graduate School; & Gaining Virtual Experience. In Studebaker, J., Briody, E.K., Malik, Z., & Nolan, R.W. (Eds.), Career Tools for Anthropology: An Anthropology Career Readiness Network Workbook. Anthropology Career Readiness Network. ISBN: 979-8-9912198-0-8.

Grants, Fellowships, and Awards