FIELD LAB

Mackenzie DePlata Peterson

I am a second-year doctoral student in the Department of Anthropology who studies Paleoindian archaeology in the Rocky Mountain region.

My research has been largely focused on spatial analysis of proboscidean sites across North America. I have been combining computer modeling and science with traditional archaeological methods to further interpret bonebed taphonomy at these sites. I have also started to apply these methods to other sites such as the Vore Buffalo Jump, to further analyze the taphonomy and bone concentrations in attempt to understand the location of the jump point at this site. Computer modeling was not something I ever imagined myself doing, but I’ve come to understand the immense value I have been able to contribute to the field through the application of these methods. I guess I’m also a nerd enough to like it! 

Chase Markel

I am a doctoral student in the Department of Animal Science, researching hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in beef cattle. My studies delve into understanding the ramifications of this condition on crucial aspects such as growth performance and meat quality, aiming to shed light on its impact on economically significant traits.

Furthermore, I am collaborating closely with the School of Computing to develop innovative software leveraging machine learning techniques. The objective is to create sophisticated risk diagnostic and management tools tailored to the beef industry. Through this interdisciplinary approach, I aspire to emphasize the critical role of data management and physiological insights in facilitating informed decision-making processes. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute towards enhancing efficiency and sustainability within the beef sector.

Emily Barr

I am a doctoral student in the Department of Animal Science and while my research encompasses a variety of topics, my main study is utilizing GPS enabled smart ear-tags to determine cow movement predictability and cow/calf interactions.

My work is done in collaboration with the School of Computing as these biosensors produce large quantities of high-resolution data which requires the development of open-sourced R scripts to process the GPS location data and to conduct spatial statistical analysis. Ultimately, my goal is to help producers gain the ability to use the data collected from these biosensors to draw meaningful conclusions and apply them while making management decisions.

Logan Dean

I was born and raised in Southwest Colorado. I graduated from Colorado State University in 2018 with two bachelor’s degrees, in Biological Anthropology and Sociology (Criminology & Criminal Justice). Since graduation I have been associated with Archaeological research endeavors and excavations in the United States, Canada and Egypt. 

As a Masters student in the Department of Anthropology at UWYO Laramie, my research focuses on the limitations and potentials of remote sensing datasets, specifically LiDAR, and how these datasets can be applied to identifying, recording and researching prehistoric Pueblo III-era farming terraces and check dam features in the Northern San Juan Region of the Colorado Plateau.

Brad Murdock

I am Brad Murdock, a second-year master’s student in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Wyoming. My work centers on computational archaeology, with research interests in machine learning, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and drone-based survey methods.

I am a researcher with the GeoPacha project, a large-scale remote-sensing archaeological survey, and a member of the Field Lab for Applied Computational Research. Outside of academia, I am an avid photographer and videographer, a passionate fan of the Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic, and I enjoy building computers and playing PC games.

Faith Podzimek

Bryan Stebbing

My name is Bryan Stebbing, and I am an undergraduate student in Anthropology at the University of Wyoming. Before pursuing Anthropology, I studied Mechanical Engineering and Physics, which provided me with a strong foundation in problem-solving and technical skills. My academic interests focus on integrating technology into the anthropological field, particularly in ways that can expand research capabilities and open new avenues for understanding the human past.

Looking ahead, my goal is to develop replicable and functional code that can be used to further archaeological and anthropological analysis. I am passionate about creating tools that not only advance research but also make technological methods more accessible to others in the discipline.

Ann Stephens

I am from the small town of Hyattville, Wyoming in the northern Bighorn mountains. I obtained two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Wyoming in GIS and Anthropology. Currently I am a master’s student at UW.

My research is focused on new methods of understanding rock art site placement, specifically in how rock art helps to construct cultural and social landscapes through the denotation of sacred and useful spaces. Taking largely from research in Australia and England, I am hoping to create a replicable code by which people can more accurately spatially understand rock art sites in Wyoming and North America.