The Archaeology Research Laboratory: A Site for Increased Access to Student Training

Summary

This is an abstract from the "From the Lab to the Field: Pioneering Approaches to Undergraduate Mentoring in Archaeology" session, at the 90th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Participation in undergraduate research enhances students’ likelihood of matriculating into graduate programs, fosters a scientific identity, promotes a sense of belonging, and develops valuable transferrable skills. Archaeology has a strong history of hands-on training through field schools, online and digital platforms, and coursework. While field schools are a common rite of passage, they are often costly and may exclude historically underrepresented students. Additionally, field schools primarily focus on data collection rather than training students on the full research process. The archaeology laboratory offers crucial technical and analytical skill development. Recent research indicates that laboratory experiences yield significant learning outcomes for students. However, there is limited formal guidance on managing student integration into the operation of a research lab. This paper presents best practices for leading a research laboratory from an expert panel of archaeologists, addressing resource requirements, policies, mentorship, and professional development to create inclusive and supportive laboratory environments, aiming to enhance student access to more holistic training in archaeological research.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 90th Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (2025)   •
• From the Lab to the Field: Pioneering Approaches to Undergraduate Mentoring in Archaeology

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 50640