Decoding the Past through Mathematics and Anthropology

Partners

Our community of research partners is essential. Together we share knowledge, resources, and ideas that foster meaningful progress.

Advanced Imaging Service for Objects and Spaces (AISOS)

The Advanced Imaging Service for Objects and Spaces (AISOS), led by Dr. Samantha Porter, provides expertise in and access to a wide array of digital imaging and 3D scanning related technologies to the University of Minnesota community and beyond. AISOS has collaborated on projects that range from programming virtual reality visits to archaeological sites, to the ultra high resolution documentation of tree rings to study climate change, to the creation of larger than life sculptures of real objects using 3D scanning and 3D printing. AISOS is a part of the Research branch of Liberal Arts Technologies and Innovation Services (LATIS) within the College of Liberal Arts.

The African Paleosciences Laboratory

The African Paleosciences Laboratory at New York University, run by Dr. Justin Pargeter, provides a home for several research projects focused on the analysis of prehistoric African stone tool collections and the experimental study of connections between human social learning, kinematics, and stone tool technologies. The African Paleosciences Laboratory also acts as a hub for interdisciplinary fieldwork in South Africa. The African Paleosciences laboratory supports a diverse and active student research community comprising 11 undergraduate and 4 graduate students who share his first-generation college experience. Several are from under-represented minority groups. The lab provides hands-on research experience and the opportunity for students to co-author research manuscripts. Dr. Pargeter currently mentors a STEM Opportunity Programs student through the Collegiate Research Initiative, providing minority students interested in STEM fields access to research training and experience. They recently submitted a collaboration NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates grant with colleagues at Denver University, Yale University, and the University of Texas, Arlington to provide prehistoric archaeology fieldwork opportunities for underrepresented students from NYU and the Borough of Manhattan Community College. The lab currently focuses on three major research lines: (1) The origins of human social learning and skill acquisition, (2) Biomechanics, energetics, and human technological skill acquisition, and (3) Human-environment interactions in later Pleistocene and Holocene sub-Saharan Africa.

Geometric Data Analysis and Processing

The Geometric Data Analysis and Processing research group at Zuse Institute Berlin, led by Dr. Christoph von Tycowicz, develops concepts and practical solutions for analyzing and processing geometric data, such as shapes, graphs, and abstract data sets alike. The group takes advantage of the rich structure in the data via intrinsic approaches to ensure consistency and reduce bias, thereby improving analytical performance. To this end, the group builds on and aims to extend the theory, algorithms, and applications of non-Euclidean statistics, geometric deep learning, and applied geometry. Current applications revolve around shape analysis in the context of archaeology, medicine, and biology. A particular focus is the study of data together with co-varying parameters such as time. Examples include the discovery of geographically indexed construction principles in ancient sundials, morphological classification, and the identification of systematic differences at the population level. The algorithms developed within the group are released as parts of the open source Morphomatics library. It contains Python-based implementations of the geometric methods and is freely available on GitHub.

The Lithics Laboratory, Anthropology Department, University of Minnesota

The Lithics Laboratory in the Anthropology Department at the University of Minnesota, led by Dr. Gilbert Tostevin, Professor and rotating AMAAZE Director, serves as a hub for hands-on learning and experimental research in lithic analysis and Paleolithic archaeology. The lab offers a dedicated space for students to explore stone toolmaking, with resources including extensive lithic collections, raw materials for flintknapping, and a specially vented knapping area equipped with protective gear to ensure a safe and engaging environment.

Beyond the physical lab, Dr. Tostevin's research group is at the forefront of advancing 3D imaging technologies for lithic materials, creating digital collections that expand the accessibility and scope of archaeological studies. Notable projects include the digitalization of the Lithic Collection from the Early Upper Paleolithic Site of Tvarožná X in the Czech Republic, excavated in partnership with Dr. Petr Škrdla (Institute of Archaeology, Brno, Czech Academy of Sciences) and  research projects such as Utilizing Refitted Core Sequences in the Quantitative Assessment of Cultural Transmission led by doctoral candidate, J. Annie Melton.


The lab's scope extends internationally through partnerships, such as its collaboration with Goran Pajović of the National Museum of Montenegro and Nikola Borovinić of the Center for Conservation and Archaeology of Montenegro. Together with Co-PI Gilliane Monnier (Professor, Department of Anthropology, UMN), they conduct research and host a field school at Crvena Stijena, a significant Late Middle Paleolithic site in the Western Balkans. This blend of local and global initiatives highlights the lab's commitment to advancing the understanding of human cultural evolution through multidisciplinary approaches.

Become a Member or Partner

AMAAZE is an interdisciplinary research consortium dedicated to advancing innovation at the intersection of mathematics, computer science, and anthropology. We bring together independent researchers, labs, and institutions working toward a shared mission: using advanced analytical methods to answer fundamental questions about humanity's past, present, and future.

Our consortium is a unique ecosystem, encompassing both AMAAZE-led projects and independent projects led by AMAAZE Partners. While AMAAZE's core research projects are led by our members, including those running through our members' labs, we also collaborate with independent researchers and labs pursuing complementary goals. AMAAZE offers a platform for these independent teams to connect, share resources, and amplify the impact of their work.

Membership with AMAAZE provides the opportunity to:

  • Access a vibrant network of interdisciplinary researchers.

  • Participate in collaborative initiatives without losing lab autonomy.

  • Showcase your lab’s work as part of a larger, innovative community.

  • Contribute to pioneering solutions for anthropological challenges.

Whether you lead an independent lab, manage a focused research project, or are seeking a collaborative platform for your interdisciplinary endeavors, AMAAZE invites you to join our growing community. Together, we redefine the boundaries of research and discovery.

If you are interested in joining the AMAAZE consortium as an individual member or you are interested in a partnership between AMAAZE and your lab, please fill out the form below and we will be in touch.

*Please note that our goal is to develop an open access community so at this time we do not charge fees for memberships or partnerships.