Study the environmental history of a landscape.

Master’s and doctoral research may examine the history of a wetland, the environmental setting of an archaeological site, or the lasting effects of land and water management. Prospective students should contact Reed Goodman to discuss research fit, possible degree programs, and the availability of supervision and funding.

For undergraduate students, work may involve field documentation, mapping, archival research, or preparing and analyzing samples, depending on the project. Inquiries about independent research are also welcome.

Clemson undergraduates can also ask about paid research placements through the University Professional Internship and Co-op (UPIC) program. Placements depend on program eligibility, the work underway, and available funding.

Undergraduate and graduate students may also be interested in the Pate Foundation Fellowship, a competitive award supporting summer research at the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science. Contact Reed Goodman to discuss whether a project with GeoArches would be a good fit, and see the fellowship page for current eligibility and application details.

A first message need not be a finished proposal. Explain what interests you, how you came to that question, and the kind of training or collaboration you are seeking. For graduate study, include the degree program you are considering and your approximate application timeline. A CV or résumé can help us understand your background.

A core sample or map becomes useful when we can explain what it records and how it bears on a question. For a sediment core, that means understanding where it was taken, how its layers accumulated, and how their ages were established. A map or historical document raises other questions about what was recorded and what was left out. Training emphasizes the reasoning that connects an observation to an interpretation, including the uncertainty introduced at each stage.

Students also learn to keep clear field and laboratory records, explain their methods and findings across disciplines, publish responsibly, and manage research data. Research with descendant communities and other partners requires attention to their knowledge and priorities.

Researchers, land managers, and community organizations are welcome to get in touch about a question for which archaeological or environmental evidence could be useful. Describe the place or material you are working with and what you hope to understand.

Contact Reed Goodman