The primary function of the XRF Laboratory is in support of education and research at SMU. Towards that end, we seek to train students in the use of XRF for archaeological and anthropological research, and to involve them in faculty-supervised research projects. Faculty mentors for these research projects have included Drs. Adler, Boulanger, and Eiselt. Current and past projects involving undergraduate students at SMU include:
- Sourcing of obsidian artifacts from SMU-in-Taos’ Taos Valley Settlement Survey (Adler and Boulanger): Laura Wildman† (SMU 2023)
- Characterization of glaze recipes in protohistoric pottery (Adler and Boulanger): Laura Wildman* (SMU 2023)
- Analysis of obsidian from West Mexico (Eiselt): Barrett Stout (SMU 2020), Jordan Hardin (SMU 2020), and Hillary Barron† (SMU 2022)
- Analysis of religious medallions from Picuris Pueblo (Adler and Boulanger): Rachel Baumgarner (SMU 2019)
- Analysis of artifacts in the James M. Collins Collection (Boulanger): Alexis Graves (SMU 2016)
* Supported by the Richter International Fellowship Program
†Supported by the Hamilton Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
Our instruments are also being used by SMU graduate students for their research work. Current research being conducted by them include studies of obsidian economies within the Rio Chama of New Mexico and of cryptocrystalline silicates used by Paleoindians of eastern North America.