Willamette Institute for Continue Learning - Statistical and Spatial Visualization of Floor Chemistry in Structure 8 at the Ness of Brodgar, Orkney

"The Ness of Brodgar, on Mainland Orkney, Scotland, is a large Neolithic complex comprising multiple multi-phase monumental stone structures dating from ca. 3500–2400 BCE. To investigate how the structures were used over time, a geoarchaeological team investigated floor chemistry of each structure using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). Floors were analyzed using a 50-cm sampling-grid. Spatial variation for each analyzed element was mapped in RStudio. Data is visualized through an R Shiny application, producing high-resolution elemental heat maps. The data was faceted by phase to examine the differences of relative concentration between the cultural phases. Major: Environmental Science; Minor: Chemistry I come from the Silver Valley of North Idaho, a working class area that has immense natural beauty and a history of environmental contamination. Growing up in the Coeur d'Alene mining district superfund site, I have seen firsthand how a degraded and contaminated environment can affect the health of communities and local ecologies. This experience led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in environmental science with a minor in chemistry at Willamette University. My main interest in research it looking at how contaminants affect the environmental and how to alleviate such issues. I plan to pursue a masters degree in environmental science, toxicology, and chemistry in the near future. Faculty sponsor: Scott Pike"