*Charles A. Speer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Curator of Anthropology at Idaho Museum of Natural History
Office: Graveley 162
Dr. Speer is not accepting new eISU (online) graduate students for the 2023-2024 school year.
Background
I was born and raised in South Texas. I received my PhD from the University of Texas at San Antonio in Ecological Anthropology in 2013. Following graduation, I served as a post-doctoral researcher at Texas State University in the Department of Anthropology and worked primarily with Clovis Period materials from the Gault Site. My research focuses on geochemical analysis of knappable stone to determine mobility patterns of prehistoric hunter-gatherers. My current work focuses on sourcing Paleoindian and Protohistoric artifacts from the American Southwest. For this research, it is integral to engage Native American perspectives as they relate to indigenous knowledge of ecological resources and archaeological findings.
My other research areas focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the Peopling of the New World, lithic technology, experimental archaeology, ancient craftmanship, and GIS predictive modeling. My greatest goal is to be a positive influence and mentor to students! I have been an avid flintknapper and prehistoric skills enthusiast for over 20 years. I personally enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking, and kayaking.