Current IPIA Scholars

 

Solene Mallet Gauthier – PhD Candidate

My research will focus on Métis foodways and identity through the analysis of plant and insect remains found on Métis overwintering sites.

Watch a short video about Solene's research

  Sara Lefurgey – MA Student

Sara is a first-year Master’s student born and raised in British Columbia. She spent the last five years attending the University of Toronto, completing her Honours Bachelor of Science in Forensic Anthropology. Sara joined the IPIA to research new methods in unmarked, non-invasive grave detection with Dr. Kisha Supernant. Sara is working with S4 Subterra Grey soil spectroscopy to determine the specific abilities of this new technology within forensic contexts and how unmarked graves can be located. 

Stephanie Halmhofer - PhD Student

Since completing my undergraduate program at the University of Alberta in 2012, I've worked as an archaeologist in Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia. I finished my Masters degree at the University of Toronto, where I studied rare blown glass beads uncovered at Sexwamin (Garden Bay), British Columbia. Since then, my interests have turned to something called pseudoarchaeology, which refers to the intentional misinterpretation, misrepresentation, and/or manipulation of archaeology for alternative and speculative theories about human history (aka archaeological conspiracy theories). My PhD research will be examining the connections between pseudoarchaeology and conspirituality (ideologies built from blending conspiracy theories with New Age spiritualism) in historic and contemporary North America, with close focus on Brother XII and the Aquarian Foundation (c. 1920s-1930s).

William (Liam) Wadsworth – PhD Candidate

Liam specializes in applying geophysics/remote sensing techniques to Canadian archaeology, primarily at the request of Indigenous communities. He has had the opportunity to work on diverse sites representing different time periods and cultures. His other research interests include: landscape archaeology, GIS, Indigenous Knowledge, non-invasive and digital technologies, archaeological science, and unmarked graves. His supervisor is Dr. Kisha Supernant. Story Map CV: https://arcg.is/1HSDSa0 

Watch a short video about Liam's research

Dawn Wambold – PhD Student

I completed my BA in Anthropology with distinction at Athabasca University in 2017. Later that same year, I started my MA with the Exploring Métis Identity Through Archaeology (EMITA) project. My MA research focused on the stories that the archaeological record can tell about the daily life and relationships of Métis women at overwintering sites. For my PhD, I am continuing my work with EMITA but shifting my focus to the Métis of Southern Alberta. Through the use of archaeology I hope to gain a greater understanding of the earliest connections of the Métis to this landscape.

maria-2022.jpgMaria Nelson - MA Student

Maria is a Ukrainian Métis woman residing on Treaty 6 territory. Her family comes from across the prairies, and is connected to the Métis families of Lavallee, Piche, Arcand, Vandale, Anderson, Cayen, McGillis, Grant, Poitras, Ross, Short, McKay, and many others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Anthropology from the University of Alberta. She is working on her Masters under Dr. Kisha Supernant. Her research will focus on looking at Métis deathscapes as a form of erasure, dispossession, and reconnection, seeking to identify areas that have a high potential for Métis connections and work toward recognizing and commemorating the Métis ancestors in these places.

Cody Hemmingsen - MA Student
Cody is a first year graduate student pursuing his MA in Anthropology. He completed his undergrad with the University of Alberta after transfering from Red Deer College. Majoring in Anthropology, he earned his BA in 2022. He returned to the university in 2023 for the IPIA's field school on Historic Riverlots 23 & 24 in St. Albert.
 
Cody's experience in the field school developed into an interest in Métis archaeology and guided his decision to return for graduate studies. His research will focus on lithic artifacts associated with historical hivernant settlements in Alberta and Saskatchewan.