10 August 2008 Scientist of the Week – Meet Anne Jensen!!

The Scientist of the Week for this week is the PI (Principal Investigator) for the NuvukThe Iñupiaq name for Point Barrow and the people who lived there. Archaeology Project, Anne Jensen. She wears many hats. Head of the NuvukThe Iñupiaq name for Point Barrow and the people who lived there. Archaeology Project, Senior Scientist for UIC Science Center, 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. As mentioned before, this piece of equipment is the mapping device that determines the exact position of an artifact.

Fortunately, the Total Station works in all kinds of weather. The infrared beam cuts right through the fog.

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. Here’s a picture of the essential technology and little bit of the audio from a recent series of Total Station shot out in the DWF.

Check out the audio below

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.

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 the 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.

One of the things that happens when people get busy, work hard, and try to have some fun every now and then is that their desks or offices do not always get cleaned up. I visited one of Anne’s offices on Friday, her desk looks a lot like mine at the end of a busy week. She also has collections of interesting artifacts. I liked checking out this place.

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!!