Anne Jensen

Submitted by PolarTREC teacher Frank Kelley on August 10, 2008

The Scientist of the Week for this week is the PI (Principal Investigator) for the Nuvuk Archaeology Project, Anne Jensen. She wears many hats. Head of the Nuvuk Archaeology Project, Senior Scientist for UIC (Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation) Science Center in Barrow, as well as other duties are all part of what Anne does around here. Whether talking to bear guards about recent events, or discussing the next steps in our excavation work, Anne knows her stuff and keeps things moving along. Anne spends most of her time out in the field these days. Her part of the project is overseer of all the different components as well as the operator of the transit or Total Station. This piece of equipment is the mapping device that determines the exact position of an artifact.

Within Anne’s field office is the computer that downloads all the Total Station data as well as photographic and communication equipment. The radios enable her to stay in touch with the members of the crew as well as the staff back here at the BASC base. While Anne is busy running the Total Station, other people come out to visit with her and take video of her chatting with us. She is a very popular person. Whenever she gets a chance, or is needed, Anne goes to check on the other crews. This allows us to ask all sorts of questions while also giving Anne an update on how our excavation is progressing. Anne is checking in with Christine and Dave about the excavation they are working on.

We are all here for the busy summer season, the crank-out-the-work time. Anne and her Field and Lab Director, Laura, then work through the winter to sort through what we found, trying to answer the all important question, “What was going on here with the native people?”

Eventually Anne needs to produce reports to explain what work was done, what was discovered and what it all means. Often, my students think that they are the only ones that need to write reports, well, sorry guys; adults have to write them as well! Anne does a great job bringing together a diverse group of scientists and students to investigate an exciting archaeological site. She also does a great job answering all sorts of questions, from the members of the crew as well as the Live from IPY Event.

Thanks for all your efforts Anne!