Idaho Archaeological Society Annual Conference Hosted At CWI Sees Great Turnout

by Nikki Gorrell, College of Western Idaho

Source article can be found at https://cwi.edu/news/news-room/idaho-archeological-society-annual-conference-hosted-cwi-sees-great-turnout

Seventy students, professors, and industry professionals from around the Gem State were at College of Western Idaho (CWI) this past weekend for the 48th Annual Idaho Archeological Society (IAS) Conference.

Led by Associate Professor of Anthropology, Nikki Gorrell, the College’s Anthropology program and Anthropology Club hosted folks from different universities including Boise State University, University of Idaho, and Idaho State University.

The state-wide conference highlighted the importance of CWI with the institution’s transfer partners across the state. Professors, graduate, and undergraduate students, as well as industry professionals in Cultural Resource Management (CRM) presented 18 different papers with original archeological research.

While the conference hosted industry leaders and professors, it also drew CWI students to attend and learn more about the history and archeology of the state they live in.

“I really enjoyed seeing all the research people are doing at the different universities here in Idaho,” said Biological Anthropology (ANTH 104) student and Anthropology major, Thomas. “I’m not sure yet whether I want to go to graduate school and do that kind of research myself, but now I have a much better idea of what that would be like. Either way, I got good impressions of all three major Idaho universities from this conference, so I feel good about transferring to any of them in the future, even if it’s just for my bachelor’s degree”.

“It was an honor to host the 48th annual IAS Conference and welcome our colleagues and professionals from around the state,” said Gorrell. “What a rewarding experience for our CWI students to have this opportunity to hear about the latest archeological research, get to meet and network with our transfer partners, and consider what a career in archeology could look like for them.”

For those with questions or in need of more information about CWI’s Anthropology program and Anthropology Club, contact Nikki Gorrell at nikkigorrell@cwi.edu.