Humans use lots of stuff! How do we know where that stuff came from? By using chemistry, archaeologists are able to trace material origin points and trade routes used by people deep in prehistory. Come chat with Dr. Kimberly Foecke and learn how a device used by professionals in manufacturing, art history, conservation, and more is helping scientists untangle an archaeological puzzle from 300,000 years ago!

Dr. Foecke's research focuses on questions surrounding dietary behavior, complex food systems, space use, and environmental change in hominin and archaeological modern human populations. Her approach is highly interdisciplinary, incorporating methods and collaborations between academic institutions, museums, government laboratories, and industry professionals. She is engaged in method development research using light stable isotopes and trace element analysis to better understand the materials in the human fossil and archaeological record.