Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute (MAI) is
a teaching, research, and applied research entity composed of
the Anthropology/Archaeology and Geology departments at Mercyhurst
College. This collective entity shares the twin missions of
conducting the highest quality research while intensively training
the next generation of archaeologists, anthropologists, and
geoarchaeologists.
MAI's research projects are routinely employ the
very latest computerized surveying, mapping, and remote-sensing
techniques along with tried-and-true excavation methods that
have set a standard in the field. Through research funded by
both public (National Science Foundation, National Forest Service,
and The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission) and private
organizations (National Geographic, The Wenner-Gren Foundation
for Anthropological Research, and private industry), students
are exposed to these advanced techniques and gain experience
in all aspects of research from the recovery and comprehensive
analysis of recovered materials to the publication of results.
Mercyhurst archaeologists have recently participated
in multidisciplinary excavations at famous international archaeological
sites such as Pavlov I in the Czech Republic, Caesarea Maritima
in Israel, and Mezhirich in southern Ukraine. Closer to home,
Mercyhurst archaeologists are currently involved in long-term
excavations at Meadowcroft Rockshelter, the Allegheny National
Forest, and various historical archaeological sites in greater
Erie and the northwestern Pennsylvania area.
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