Heather A. Wholey, Ph.D.
Professor of Anthropology
I am an archaeologist with a specialization in the prehistory of the Eastern Woodlands. My interests are in modeling the population ecology of Archaic Period (ca. 10,000 - 3,000 years ago) hunter-gatherers; environmental archaeology and the application of earth sciences to archaeological problems, and; the integration of geography, place and landscape into archaeological interpretation. I enjoy working with students in the classroom, field and lab and regularly provide opportunity for guided student research. Students can gain sound methodological training through my summer archaeological field school and through my archaeological lab methods class. Experiences gained in these classes expose students to real world archaeological problems and research, while hopefully cultivating a sense of stewardship and a profound respect for our collective cultural heritage.
Courses Offered
- Introduction to Archaeology
- Artifacts and Culture
- Archaeology of Central America
- Archaeology of Ancient North America
- Archaeological Lab Methods
- Archaeology and the Environment
- Archaeological Field Techniques
- Archaeological Field School
- Advanced Archaeological Field School
- Senior Seminar
Areas of Specialization
- Archaeology of the Eastern Woodlands
- Human Population Ecology
- Environmental Archaeology
- Field Methods
Archaeological Curation
- The Harry Wilson Collection
- The Hepner Collection
- The Lester Olin, Sr. Collection
- The Calvin Smoker Collection
Samples from these West Chester University Digital Archaeology Collections are available for viewing here.
Current Positions Held
- Society for American Archaeology Climate Change and Archaeological Resources Committee
Past Positions Held
- Society for American Archaeology Committee on Curriculum
- President, Middle Atlantic Archaeological Conference
- Executive Board, Middle Atlantic Archaeological Conference
- Executive Board, Pennsylvania Archaeological Council