Jordan Fischetti '08, a geoarchaeology major, is working on a research project this summer with Professor of Archaeology, Tom Jones. Fischetti is analyzing artifacts and source rocks he and other Hamilton students collected last summer in the Great Basin, as well as materials collected by students in the same region during the summer of 1999. Chemical analysis of the artifacts and source rocks (rocks from a volcanic source) enables archaeologists to trace Paleoarchaic Native American mobility and foraging patterns in the Great Basin.
The first step in Fischetti's work is selecting which artifacts and rocks will be analyzed. Then, he puts all of the rocks and artifacts through a polishing process. Afterwards, they are analyzed with an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer, a machine that reveals the chemical composition of the material. Finally, Fischetti will compare the chemical composition of artifacts and source rocks, looking for matches that can allow him to assume a particular artifact came from a particular source. These matches help piece together the mobility patterns of Native Americans in the area. This kind of analysis can provide clues as to where material was collected to make these artifacts as well as a measure of the geographic territory that was utilized by the Native American groups in this region.
Fischetti chose to do summer research because it provides good experience for a possible career in his area of study. "I heard a lot of good stories from previous summers, and I have yet to be let down…I also wanted to work with Tom [Jones]. He's a great guy, both intelligent and easy to talk with," he said. Fischetti said field work is something "I would enjoy doing in the future, but not in the Great Basin." Fischetti wants to pursue a career in either the archaeological studies of human evolution or civilized societies. He will "most definitely" go to graduate school for geoarchaeology after graduating from Hamilton in order to hone his interests in the field.
During the regular school year, Fischetti is on the Hillel Board at Hamilton, volunteers with tutoring and music programs for local schools, and participates in intramural sports.
-- by Laura Trubiano '07
