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Karen Rose Thomas
Research topic
The Toolstone Formerly Known as Green Andesite: A Geochemical Characterization of Fine Grained Lithic Materials from the Burrard Inlet Area, Vancouver, B.C. Canada
Faculty
Research supervisor(s)
Home Town
North Vancouver
Country
Canada
Selected Award(s)
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
A graduate degree in anthropological archaeology will provide me with highly specialized knowledge and research experience that will allow me to work for and with Indigenous descent communities (including my own Indigenous community). I will be better equipped to document, preserve and protect cultural heritage resources on behalf of my own Nation and other Indigenous communities.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
Deciding to study at UBC was an obvious choice because of its reputation as a world-class research institution. On-campus family residence opportunities and the superb reputation of UBC childcare were also great incentives for me to choose UBC.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
UBC’s anthropology department and faculty offer a valuable combination of expertise and mentorship for my professional development. In addition, the Museum of Anthropology houses many significant archaeological collections, and is at the forefront of respectful dialogues with Indigenous communities.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The best surprise about life at UBC is the community culture of living in family residence. Acadia Park is an ideal place to be a child, and each family within the community understands the struggles of both parenting and academic life.
Deciding to study at UBC was an obvious choice because of its reputation as a world-class research institution. On-campus family residence opportunities and the superb reputation of UBC childcare were also great incentives for me to choose UBC.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Find a supervisor that you connect with. Be honest with them about your needs, and never tell the determined voice in your mind to be quiet.
Learn more about Karen Rose's research
The goal of this research is to use several geological and geochemical methods to determine if the archaeological toolstone found in the Burrard Inlet region that researchers call green andesite is actually andesite. The secondary goal is to determine if this material comes from the green andesite dykes in the Indian River watershed from where the name originated. This study will highlight the reproduction of an incorrect label throughout scholarly literature and archaeological discourse and it will showcase the need to verify rock type using appropriate techniques before undertaking sourcing studies.