2026-2027 Faculty Research Grants
Emily Cancel (Social & Behavioral Sciences).
Life After Adventism: Quantitative and Qualitative Analyses of Ex-Seventh-day Adventist Experiences.
The Seigfreid Horn Archaeological Institute houses many artifacts from across Jordan as a result of the Madaba Plains Project. This project involved three main sites: Tall Hisban, Tall Jalul, and Tall Umayri. Included in the artifacts collected are an estimated 22 human skeletons from Tall Jalul. This project would involve sorting the bones into specialized acid-free boxes according to their respective skeletons, in accordance with best practices for skeletal remains. The results of this work will include a secure and respectful method of storage for the human remains, a more accurate MNI, and a more positive reflection on the values of the Horn Institute. Additionally, two human skulls, recently rediscovered in the collection of the Andrews University Museum for Nature and Science, each possess a characteristic that make them stand out in bioarcheological study: Skull #1 demonstrates evidence of decorative paint or pigment, as well as decorative gilding and severe sun damage postmortem. Skull #2 possesses strong characteristics of hydrocephaly or intentional elongation with evidence of surgical trepanation. The skulls will be provided characterization through the use of both invasive and non-invasive methods as follows: Radiocarbon dating will be utilized with both skulls to determine an age range for the age of both skulls, providing a historical context to associate the remains with. Isotopic analysis will be completed on the dentition of skull #1 in order to demonstrate health, diet and geographical area the individual lived in. Skull #2 has lost its dentition; none remain for analysis. X-Ray fluorescence will be used to evaluate the paint, pigment or gilding on the surface of skull #1, providing additional historical context to the experience of the skull post mortem, with the hope that a pattern of decoration can be identified and possibly a reproduction made. Computerized tomography will be taken in order to provide a digital method of evaluation in order to limit exposure of the remains to physical damage and provide material for further study after remains are repatriated. Whole genome DNA analysis will be utilized with both skulls for clarification of sex, age, genetic abnormalities, race and morphological characteristics. Skull #2 will be evaluated visually for hydrocephalus vs. intentional elongation of the skull.