Contacts

Laurie E. Miroff, PhD (PI) is the Director of the Public Archaeology Facility (PAF). She has extensive experience directing archaeological field and analysis projects, unlocking the data in artifacts, and interpreting the patterns resulting from analysis. Her research focuses on the late precontact period in the Northeastern U.S. Miroff has a MA in secondary education with a specialization in social studies. She co-designed an after-school program in Albany, NY for children in Grades 1-4. Miroff completed the Teaching Online Certification Program at Binghamton University. She brings her experience as one of the founding creators of and current co-director of CAP to develop age-appropriate curriculum modules and guide the after-school students in their research projects. She has also prepared one-day modules for STEAMfests and other venues.
lmiroff@binghamton.edu

Nina M. Versaggi, PhD (co-PI) served as the Director of PAF from 1988-2019. Her research focuses on the stone tools produced by hunter-gatherers, the spatial clustering of these artifacts, and how these clusters reflect community land use patterns on the diverse landscapes of the Northeastern U.S. Versaggi is one of the co-creators of CAP and has taught CAP sessions since its beginning. She has also presented educational programs to children from Grade 1 through high school both in the classroom and in informal learning settings. Through both professional and avocational networks, she has established an extensive network of individuals interested in teaching through informal programs. Under her direction, the Public Archaeology Facility built relationships of mutual respect with the six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
nversagg@binghamton.edu

Amber Simpson, PhD (co-PI) is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership at Binghamton University. She conducts qualitative and quantitative STEM-related research and has experience working with children, educators, and adults in formal and informal learning environments. She also has experience providing professional development workshops for educators. Simpson has extensive research experience and will take a lead role in managing and implementing evaluative activities, data analysis, and providing ongoing professional development for those working on the after-school program.
asimpson@binghamton.edu

Lynda Carroll, MA (co-PI) is an Adjunct Lecturer at SUNY Broome Community College and SUNY Cortland. She has experience directing archaeological field projects and interpreting data in peer-reviewed reports and publications. She is also an instructor for CAP, with an emphasis on the Archaeology for Kids program. Carroll has experience utilizing online technology for instruction and was a two-time fellow for SUNY’s Collaborative Online International Learning program. She has taught courses that rely on online collaborative projects. Carroll also has experience in evaluating student success and retention efforts among non-traditional learners at the community college level.
carrollla1@sunybroome.edu

Luann F. Kida, MA (co-PI), the Director of Binghamton University Community Schools, is a Licensed Master in Social Work working in and with public schools since 2006. She has extensive experience implementing the community school model and engaging underrepresented families in rural NY.
lkida@binghamton.edu