I serve as a research fellow conducting independent archaeological research in underwater contexts. At the moment, my research efforts are focused on the Lost Ships of Cortés Project: Project supported by the National GeographicSociety, GRANT #HJ-092S-17

Lost Ships of Cortés Project: Project supported by the National GeographicSociety, GRANT #HJ-092S-17

I serve as the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s (BSEE) Federal Historic Preservation Officer, as required under Section 110(c) of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). I am responsible for coordinating BSEE-approved activities, advocating legal requirements, and developing/interpreting/implementing policy regarding archaeology and historic preservation issues. Additionally, I serve as the archaeological resource management expert, acting as consultant, advisor, and technical authority to the Deputy Director, Environmental Compliance Division Chief, Regional Directors, Regional Environmental Officers, Interior Department officials, and Bureau scientists and engineers in archaeological matters. I lead and assist with any archaeological-/anthropological-related studies/research projects as a Level III Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for BSEE or Contract Inspector for BOEM; which may include the development, design, procurement, administration, and evaluation of major science/compliance studies/research programs.During my tenure with BSEE, I served as the BSEE Diving Safety Officer (DSO) from 2012 to 2014. I completed Level III COR training and I am certified to propose, draft a scope of work, and participate in or lead a Technical Proposal Evaluation Committee for contracts that exceed one million dollars.From 2012 to 2016, I served as the Bureau’s Tribal Liaison Officer. My responsibilities included carrying out the duties outlined in the DOI Secretarial Order related to Government-to-Government (G2G) consultation requirements; ensuring that the government-to-government policy is reflected in bureau/office manuals; and providing oversight of BSEE reporting, certification, and membership in the Joint Tribal-Federal Team.

I provided professional knowledge on the inventory, evaluation, protection, use, and management of prehistoric and historic archaeological resources in the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). In this capacity, I served as a consultant, advisor, and a technical authority on issues regarding archaeological and environmental resources. This is illustrated in my work assisting in the planning, review, and analysis of marine archaeological remote-sensing surveys and reports for oil and gas activities. In this capacity, I reviewed, analyzed, and evaluated reports submitted by the oil and gas industry to BOEM for both technical accuracy and compliance with Bureau requirements. More specifically, as part of this review, it was my job to also ensure that the information provided to the Bureau complied with archaeological and historic preservation laws, regulations, and the policies of BOEM (specifically the NHPA of 1966, as amended and the NEPA of 1969). I also used this information to ensure compliance with mitigations placed on oil and gas applications for permits (Plans, Pipelines, Structure Removals, Post-approvals, and Ancillary activities).I served as a team lead, training incoming archaeologists as to the standard operating procedures of the program, provided guidance and supervision over day-to-day operations, provided feedback to first-line supervisors, and recommended additional training and education for personnel as needed. These same responsibilities carried over when I accepted a permanent, full time position with BSEE.In addition, between 2010 to 2012, I served as the Regional Dive Master for the Science Diving Program in the Gulf of Mexico OCS Region. I participated as a member of the Science Diving Program since 2003 with more than 500 logged dives. From 2009 to 2011, I also served in an acting capacity as the Federal Historic Preservation Officer for BOEM.

I managed the State of Florida’s statute 267 and 1A31 and 1A32 permits. In addition, I worked with NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary through the programmatic agreement for Historic Resource Management in the Sanctuary. My primary role consisted of managing commercial salvage operations in the sanctuary and the requirements as defined in the salvage agreement under Federal Court Order. In most instances, I reviewed and commented on reports supplied to the State as well as the 20% requirement of material culture given to the State.In addition to these responsibilities, I also participated in research conducted by the BAR as a Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigator, Field Director, or Chief Scientist. These responsibilities included research design development, conducted phase 1-3 investigations of submerged cultural resources, report production, artifact analysis, equipment and boat maintenance, dive safety, Section 106 review and compliance advisement, state contract management, database creation and management, monitoring and inspection of disturbed sites, on-site photography and videography, remote sensing surveys (magnetometer, side scan sonar, and sub-bottom profiler), diver visual inspections and surveys, underwater mapping, investigated isolated prehistoric finds in Florida’s rivers, GIS and site map production, public outreach and education, historical and prehistoric research pertaining to submerged cultural resources, and recording and documenting vessel remains (such as wooden historic sailing and steam vessels and prehistoric canoes).

Contract archaeologist for the State of Texas through the Center for Archaeological Research (C.A.R.) at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I worked on more than 25 contracted projects in and around the San Antonio area. Projects that I was involved with included historic research, the Legacy Outreach program (teaching grade school to high school students about archaeology), contracted fieldwork, laboratory analysis, field supervisor, and publication of completed projects. During my time with CAR, I worked on 25 field projects. If interested in those projects, I am happy to supply that information.