I am an educator and researcher with a Ph.D. in anthropological archaeology. One of my favorite things about being an anthropologist is engaging other interested folks in conversations about the human past and present. I have taught introductory anthropology classes across subfields, as well as on topics such as archaeobotany, environmental archaeology, human diets, and Pacific Islands archaeology at SRJC, Stanford University, and the University of Oregon. I also enjoy visiting classrooms and museums to talk about archaeology, history, and science with people of all ages. I strongly believe that descendant communities are the rightful owners of the archaeological records of their ancestors, and that everyone has the right to know and critique what archaeologists are learning and saying about their own ancestors.

My research specialization is in archaeobotany (paleoethnobotany) – that is, the study of plant remains from archaeological sites. In my research, I apply archaeological plant data, as well as other archaeological data, to the study of human landscape use and agricultural systems over long periods of time. I also conduct ethnographic research, talking to modern people to better understand how they farm and eat today. Ultimately, I am interested in the long-term sustainability of the ways that people grow food. My main projects have been focused on the Micronesian region, but I have also collaborated in projects focused on China and in other regions.

My inbox is always to questions and communication from students interested in anthropology! Please get in touch by sending me an email at mlevin at santarosa dot edu.