LAURA K.

HARRISON
University of South Florida I 4202 E. Fowler Ave, CMC 33 I Tampa, FL 33606 I (518) 928-1933
harrisonl@usf.edu | www.laurakharrison.com

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Center for Virtualization and Applied Spatial Technologies
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 2016 – Present

EDUCATION

Ph.D. Anthropology / Archaeology Concentration, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 2016

Department of Anthropology; GPA 3.95/4.0
Dissertation: Living Spaces: Urbanism as a Social Process at Seyitömer Höyük in Early Bronze Age
Western Anatolia
M.A. Anthropology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 2012
Department of Anthropology; GPA 3.97/4.0
Thesis: The Emergence of Sociopolitical Complexity in Bronze Age Crete: A Critical Appraisal of
Past, Present and Future Approaches
B.A. Anthropology; minor in Art History, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, 2007
Department of Anthropology; GPA 3.51/4.0; graduated cum laude

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Digital heritage in archaeology and museums; public archaeology; cultural resource management,
urbanism and social complexity; spatial analysis; behavior and cognition; archaeological method and
theory; Mediterranean prehistory and protohistory.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

CVAST CRAVENS VIRTUAL MUSEUM PROJECT, Buffalo, NY

Director 2017-2018
Scanned over 90 objects with Artec Eva, Artec Space Spider and digital photogrammetry; processed
models in Artec Studio 12, Geomagic Wrap and Reality Capture; trained assistant and students on
data capture and processing; wrote website copy; planned and delivered educational outreach
activities for K-12 students; developed open linked data archive in collaboration with USF Libraries
Digital Collections; drafted manuscript about project for peer-reviewed journal.
SHORT RANGE LASER SCANNING AND PHOTOGRAMMETRY, Aidone, Siciliy; Tampa, FL
Close Range Scanning Specialist 2017
Created full color 3D models of over 100 archaeological and historic objects with FARO arm, Artec
Eva, Artec Space Spider, and photogrammetry; processed data in Reality Capture, GeoMagic Wrap
and Artec Studio; trained students in data capture and processing; uploaded finished models to
SketchFab.
TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING, Piazza Armerina, Sicily
Terrestrial Laser Scanning Specialist 2017
Scanned over 5000 square feet of mosaics with FARO terrestrial laser scanners at UNESCO world
heritage sites; trained Italian students in terrestrial laser scanning data collection and processing;
Laura K. Harrison, Ph.D. Page 2 of 10

processed data in Faro Scene software; created animated flythrough of Morgantina and Villa
Romana del Casale.
TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING AND PHOTOGRAMMETRY, La Mancha, Spain; Paris, France
Terrestrial Laser Scanning Specialist 2017
Developed and executed scan data collection plan for nine archaeological and historical sites in
Spain and France; captured data with FARO terrestrial laser scanners; processed data in Faro Scene
software; created animated flythrough.
SEYITÖMER HÖYÜK RADIOCARBON DATING PROJECT, Kütahya, Turkey 2015 – 2016
Co-Principal Investigator
Developed and submitted successful National Science Foundation-funded research proposal;
collected 32 radiocarbon samples; shipped samples to laboratory; analyzed results; and submitted
to peer-reviewed publications.
SEYITÖMER HÖYÜK EXCAVATION PROJECT, Kütahya, Turkey 2013 – 2016
Architectural and Digital Heritage Specialist
Documented and analyzed architecture for Ph.D. research; developed and maintained Filemaker
database; created 3D visualization and flythrough of site in 3D Studio Max; shared 3D model in Open
Access format (www.behance.net/harrisonlkh); published peer-reviewed book chapter.
ANDERSON GALLERY, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 2009 – 2012
Teaching Assistant and Assistant Curator, Cravens Collection, 2011 – 2012
Researched acquisition and history of collection; maintained database; led outreach activities with
local K-12 schools; and wrote website text and press releases; and researched provenance of
collection and relevant legal issues.
Intern, Cravens Collection, 2009 – 2010
Installed permanent exhibition; maintained database; and photographed 300 objects for exhibition
catalogue.
GOURNIA EXCAVATION PROJECT, Gournia, Greece 2009 – 2011
Trench Supervisor, 2011, Excavator, 2009 - 2010
Educated four-person excavation team on archaeological fieldwork techniques, supervised
excavation and documentation of finds, prepared excavation report, conducted preliminary ceramic
analysis.
ÇATALHÖYÜK EXCAVATION PROJECT, Çatalhöyük, Turkey 2010
Excavator
Operated total station for West Mound excavation; photographed fieldwork and finds as site
photographer; excavated and documented site; and prepared written reports.
LEVANNA EXCAVATION PROJECT, Levanna, NY 2007
Excavator
Excavated site; washed and documented finds; participated in outreach with Native American
groups.
DISPILIO EXCAVATION PROJECT, Dispilio, Greece 2006
Excavator
Excavated site; washed and documented finds.
Laura K. Harrison, Ph.D. Page 3 of 10

MUSEUM EXPERIENCE

ANDERSON GALLERY, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 2010 – 2012

Teaching Assistant & Assistant Curator, Cravens Collection, 2011 – 2012
Ensured proper care and preservation of $1.5 million collection; led object documentation initiative;
photographed 2,000 objects with DSLR camera; maintained database; supervised scanning and post-
production of 30 3D artifact scans; delivered lectures in Museum Management course.
Collection & Exhibits Intern, Cravens Collection, 2010 – 2011
Created object checklist for exhibition opening; installed museum objects in exhibition cases; and
worked with curator, preparators, and researchers to meet project deadlines.
SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN, Washington, DC 2008 – 2009
Visitor Services Assistant
Developed original gallery tour in consultation with indigenous people and presented to public;
provided targeted visitor support to diverse audiences; oriented visitors and school groups at
welcome desk; supervised condition of multiple galleries; and staffed openings.

NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM, Albany, NY 2007 – 2008

Artifact Cleaner
Worked as part of a team; cleaned artifacts using non-chemical processes; packed, handled and
rehoused and transported artifacts; and maintained accurate collections records.
MUSEUM OF THE EARTH, Ithaca, NY 2006
Collection Intern, Paleontology
Photographed 500+ paleontological specimens; edited photographs in Photoshop; and checked
database entries against primary sources and corrected errors.
ARTS CENTER OF THE CAPITAL REGION, Troy, NY 2005
Exhibits Intern, Contemporary Art
Painted and prepared gallery walls for exhibition; measured and hung 200 paintings according to
established gallery standards; prepared vitrines and pedestals for 20 sculptures; and staffed gallery
opening.

LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES

SEYITÖMER HÖYÜK EXCAVATION PROJECT, Kütahya, Turkey 2012 – 2017

Director, Drawing The Past Archaeological Illustration Project 2015 – Present
Used factual archeological information to guide professional artistic reconstructions; collaborated
with professional illustrators to develop cartoon-based outreach activity; developed outreach
activity with 3D printed reconstruction of archaeological context; presented illustrations at
professional conferences.
Masters Thesis Supervisor (Digital Heritage and Museums), 2018
Advised graduate student project on digital heritage and museums; offered comments on data
collection, analysis and writeup; and evaluated performance.
Director, Internationally Accredited Field School, 2012 – 2015
Organized logistics of travel, visa processing, and work permits, provided instruction on
archaeological excavation techniques, managed excavation schedule, supervised documentation of
Laura K. Harrison, Ph.D. Page 4 of 10

finds and preparation of excavation report, organized visiting guest speaker series, led educational
excursions to archaeological sites and historical landmarks.
Honors Project Supervisor (Ceramic Reconstruction), 2015
Advised undergraduate student project on ceramic reconstruction and evaluated performance.
TIMESIFTERS ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY, SARASOTA, FL 2018 – Present
Treasurer, 2018 – Present
Drafted and presented annual budget to Board of Directors; prepared and presented report on
organization financials at monthly board meetings; checked accounting work for errors and
reconciled bank statements; managed cash flow and ensured ongoing solvency; completed IRS Form
990 in a timely fashion and made these forms available for review by the Board.
CHRONIKA, Institute for European and Mediterranean Archaeology, Buffalo, NY 2009 – 2012
Founding Editor and Editor in Chief, Vol. 2-4, 2010 – 2012
Expanded journal to reach international audience, implemented fundraising strategy and secured
financial support, managed online presence (www.chronikajournal.com), expanded visibility through
social media.
Associate Editor, Vol. 1, 2009
Founded journal with interdisciplinary group of PhD students, established editorial policy, secured
funding for printing of first issue, established website.
INSTITUTE FOR EUROPEAN AND MEDITERRANEAN ARCHAEOLOGY, Buffalo, NY 2009 – 2012
Volunteer Coordinator, IEMA Visiting Scholar Conference, 2010 – 2012
Assisted with planning and preparation of conference, created volunteer schedule, managed
transportation of conference guests, and organized conference registration.
Graduate Student Representative, 2009 – 2011
Established Student Brown Bag speaker series, founded interdisciplinary graduate student journal
(Chronika), established graduate student scholarship fund.
UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY, Buffalo, NY 2011 – 2012
Faculty Committee Member
THEORETICAL ARCHAEOLOGY GROUP BUFFALO CONFERENCE, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 2012
Conference Co-coordinator

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

BRITISH TOWN LANGUAGE SCHOOL, Kütahya, Turkey 2014 – 2015

English Instructor
Taught English grammar, speaking, and composition to 150+ students; developed original lectures,
assignments and exams in accordance with international standards; assessed students in oral and
written exams, and maintained course records and website.
SEYITÖMER HÖYÜK EXCAVATION PROJECT, Kütahya, Turkey 2014 – 2015
Field School Director
Supervised six unique independent study projects; organized an educational speaker series,
supervised translation of excavation report from Turkish to English; delivered lectures on Bronze
Age archaeology in a series of interactive lectures; and managed daily schedule and responsibilities
for a group of 15 international students.
Laura K. Harrison, Ph.D. Page 5 of 10

UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO, Buffalo, NY 2011 – 2012

Instructor, APY 108 Introduction to Archaeology, 2012
Taught lectures and led discussion on method, theory, world archaeological cultures, and prehistoric
art; prepared syllabus and course materials; led fieldwork practical, grading exams and assignments,
provided tailored support to students, and designed and maintained course website.
Teaching Assistant, APY 414/514 Museum Management, 2012
Taught lectures and led discussion on visual analysis, collection, exhibition and research; organized
3D scanning of artifacts; assisted students with research on prehistoric Near Eastern and European
objects; taught museum photography; and organized installation of student exhibition.
Internship Supervisor, APY 496 at Anderson Gallery, 2012
Supervised two students in a 3-credit collections management internship; taught object handling,
documentation, digital SLR photography and Photoshop; assessed student performance.
Practicum Supervisor, APY 499 Department of Anthropology, 2012
Supervised object-based museum research; taught object photography, evaluated written
assignments and final paper; and maintained course website.

Teaching Assistant, APY 414/514 Museum Management, 2011

Taught lectures and leading class discussion on visual analysis, collection, exhibition and research;
facilitated museum outreach session; organized 3D scanning of artifacts; assisted students with
object-based research; organized installation of student exhibition on human representations; wrote
press release for exhibit opening; evaluated student performance; and maintained course website.
Internship Supervisor, APY 496 Department of Anthropology, 2011
Supervised three students in a 3-credit collections management internship; taught object handling,
documentation, digital SLR photography and Photoshop; and assessed student performance.

HONORS AND AWARDS

$500 Postdoctoral Travel Grant, University of South Florida, 2017

$750 Postdoctoral Travel Grant, University of South Florida, 2016
$25,162 National Science Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant, 2014
$2,200 Mark Diamond Research Fund, Graduate Student Association, 2014
$26,000 Teaching Assistant, Department of Anthropology, 2011, 2012
$2,000 Research and Travel Grant, IEMA, 2011
$5,400 Scholarly Publication Grant, Graduate Student Association, 2010, 2011

BOOK CHAPTERS

7. Harrison, Laura and Aycan Gürbüz. (In press). “A 3D visualization of the ancient built environment
of Seyitömer Höyük, Turkey.” In Friedhelm Pedde and Nathaneal Shelley (Eds.) Assyromania and
more. In Memoriam vor Samuel M. Paley.
6. Harrison, Laura. (In press.) Urbanism at a Crossroad: Trade, Settlement and Society in Early
Bronze Age Anatolia. In Attila Gyucha (Ed.) Coming Together: Comparative Approaches to
Population Aggregation and Early Urbanization. Buffalo, New York: SUNY Press.
5. Harrison, Laura, A. Nejat Bilgen, & Kuru, A. (In press). Introduction. In Nejat Bilgen, Harrison, L.,
and Kuru, A. (Eds.) Early Bronze Age in Western Anatolia. Buffalo, New York: SUNY Press.
Laura K. Harrison, Ph.D. Page 6 of 10

4. Harrison, Laura. (In press.) Urbanization in the Early Bronze III Period at Seyitömer Höyük: An
Integrative Approach to Architectural Analysis. In Early Bronze Age in Western Anatolia. Edited
by A. Nejat Bilgen, Laura Harrison, and Asuman Kuru. Buffalo, New York: SUNY Press.
3. Biehl, P. F., & Harrison, L. (2014) “University Museums in the Digital Age.” In 10 Must Reads:
Inclusion Empowering New Audiences. Stefani Jandl and Mark Gold (Eds). New York:
Museumsetc. pp. 37-63.
2. Biehl, Peter and Harrison, L. (2012). “University Museums in the Digital Age: The Cravens World
Open Storage Teaching Collection at the University at Buffalo.” In Academic Museums:
Exhibition and Education. Stefani Jandl and Mark Gold (Eds). New York: Museumsetc. pp. 617-
638.
1. Harrison, Laura. (2010). “Highlights of the Collection.” In: Peter Biehl (ed.), Cravens World: The
Human Aesthetic. New York: University at Buffalo Art Galleries. pp. 45-61.

JOURNAL ARTICLES

8. Harrison, Laura (in press) “Digital Heritage in the 21st Century.” Open Archaeology Topical Issue
on Digital Heritage Technologies, Applications and Impacts.
7. Harrison, Laura. (2015). “Publish or Perish: Reflecting on Chronika’s Past, Present and Future.”
Chronika (5):i.
6. Harrison, Laura. (2013) “Editor’s Welcome.” Chronika (3):i.
5. Harrison, Laura. (2011). “Editor’s Welcome.” Chronika (2):i.
4. Harrison, Laura. (2010). “The Emergence of Sociopolitical Complexity at Gournia: Local and
Regional Perspectives.” Chronika (2):22-30.
3. Artz, James, Harrison, L. and Rienti, Jr., M. (2011). “Editor’s Welcome.” Chronika (1):2.
2. Harrison, Laura. (2011). “The Dynamics of Culture Contact in the Eastern Mediterranean Bronze
Age.” Chronika (1):4-9.

DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS

1. Harrison, Laura K. (2017). "Architecture and Urbanism at Seyitömer Höyük, Turkey" Laura K.
Harrison (Ed.) . Released: 2017-05-05. Open Context.
<http://opencontext.org/projects/347286db-b6c6-4fd2-b3bd-b50316b0cb9f>
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6078/M76W980X

BOOK REVIEWS

1. Harrison, Laura. (2017). “Book Review - Citadel and Cemetery in Early Bronze Age Anatolia.”
American Journal of Archaeology (121):3. DOI: 10.3764/ajaonline1213.Harrison.

EDITED BOOKS AND JOURNALS

In press Laura Harrison (editor). Studies in Digital Heritage. Topical Issue on Digital Heritage
Technologies, Applications and Impacts.
In press Laura Harrison, Bilgen, A.N. and Kuru, A (eds.). Early Bronze Age in Western Anatolia.
Institute for European and Mediterranean Archaeology Distinguished Monographs
Series. New York: SUNY Press.
Laura K. Harrison, Ph.D. Page 7 of 10

2009-2012 Laura Harrison (editor). Chronika: The Graduate Student Journal of the Institute of
European and Mediterranean Archaeology.

INVITED TALKS

9. “Digital Heritage in Archaeology and Musems.” University at Buffalo Museum Management

course APY 414/514. February 12, 2018.
8. “Critical Spatial and Curatorial Concepts.” University at Buffalo Contextualizing the Museum: Site,
Memory, Publics course AAP 519. Panel discussion with Mark Wasiuta, GSAAP, Columbia
University, and Jordan Geiger, Architecture (Center for Architecture and Situated
Technologies), University at Buffalo. February 14, 2018.
7. “Digital Heritage in Archaeology.” University at South Florida Digital Dinosaurs course BSC 4933.
January 11, 2018.
6. “Terrestrial laser scanning at CVAST.” University of South Florida Digital Archaeology course HIS
3938/HIS 6925. September 20, 2017.
5. “Mobilizing a Salvage Archaeology Dataset to Build a 3D Interpretive Visualization.” Big Data Labs
in Archaeology session at the Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology
International Conference, Atlanta. March, 2017.”
4. “Urbanism at a Crossroad: Trade, Settlement and Society in Early Bronze Age Anatolia.” Institute
for European and Mediterranean Archaeology Ninth Annual Visiting Scholar Conference.
Buffalo, NY. April, 2016.
3. “Museums in the Digital Age.” University at Buffalo Museum Management course APY 414/514.
February 28, 2016.
2. “Visualizing the Past: Using 3D Modeling to Interpret the Ancient Built Environment of Seyitömer
Höyük in Early Bronze Age Western Anatolia.” Institute for European and Mediterranean
Archaeology Speaker Series. Buffalo, NY. September, 2015.
1. “Urbanization in the Early Bronze III Period at Seyitömer Höyük: An Integrative Approach to
Architectural Analysis.” Dumlupinar University International Archaeology Symposium on the
Early Bronze Age in Western Anatolia. Kütahya, Turkey. March, 2014.

PAPERS PRESENTED AT PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS

11. “Applied digital heritage at Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily.” Society for American Archaeology
Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C. April 2018.
10. “Enhancing museum accessibility, education and outreach with digitization and haptic
technologies.” Comité International de la Photogrammétrie Architecturale (CIPA) International
Symposium, Ottawa. August, 2017.
9. “Virtualization as a Method for Heritage Preservation: A Case Study from Seyitömer Höyük,
Turkey.” Society for American Archaeology Annual Meeting, Vancouver. April, 2017.
8. “Urbanism and Power in Early Bronze Age Western Anatolia: New Evidence from Seyitömer
Höyük.” Archaeological Institute of America Annual Meeting, Toronto. January, 2017.
7. “Architecture and Urbanism at Seyitömer Höyük during the EBIII period.” European Association of
Archaeologists Meeting, Istanbul. September, 2015.
6. “Seyitömer Mound in the Middle Bronze Age.” Archaeological Institute of America Annual
Meeting, Chicago. January, 2014.
5. “Constructing a Complex Society: An analysis of social and spatial organization at Seyitömer
Höyük, Turkey.” Institute for European and Mediterranean Archaeology Student Brown Bag
Series, Buffalo. October, 2013.
Laura K. Harrison, Ph.D. Page 8 of 10

4. “University Museums in Theory and Practice: The Cravens World Exhibition at the University at
Buffalo.” AIA National Archaeology Day Graduate Student Symposium, Columbia University.
October, 2012.
3. “Rescuing the Maiden Fair: Bringing Archaeology Back Down to Earth.” Theoretical Archaeology
Group USA Conference, Buffalo. May, 2012.
2. “University Museums in the Digital Age: Digital Preservation of the Cravens World Open Storage
Teaching Collection of the University at Buffalo.” High Tech Heritage Conference, UMASS
Amherst. May, 2012.
1. “The North Trench at Gournia: New Light on Processes of State Formation in Bronze Age Crete.”
Institute for European and Mediterranean Archaeology Student Brown Bag Series, Buffalo.
November, 2011.

WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCE SESSIONS

2018 Session organizer. “Digital Heritage Technologies, Applications and Impacts.” Society for
American Archaeology Annual Meeting. Washington, D.C.
2017 Workshop leader. “Close Range 3D Scanning in Archaeology and Museums.” University
at Buffalo.
2015 Workshop leader. “3D Modeling in Archaeology.” University at Buffalo.

INTERNATIONAL WORK AND STUDY

Terrestrial Laser Scanning and Close Range Scanning in Sicily (1 month), 2017
Terrestrial Laser Scanning in Spain and France (1 month), 2017
Ph.D. Fieldwork and ESL Teaching in Turkey (16 months), 2014, 2015
Ph.D. Fieldwork in Turkey and Romania (3 months), 2013
M.A. Fieldwork in Greece (7 months), 2009, 2010, 2011
M.A. Fieldwork in Turkey (1 month), 2010
Study Abroad in Italy (5 months), 2006
Archaeological Field School in Greece (1 month), 2006

LANGUAGES AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

Languages: Turkish (Conversational); Italian (Elementary); Greek (Elementary); Spanish

(Elementary)
Software: 3D modeling and animation (3D Studio Max); architectural drawing (AutoCAD); 3D
processing (Geomagic, Meshlab); databases (Filemaker, Access, Excel); graphic design and
illustration (Adobe Creative Suite); geographic information systems (ArcGIS, QGIS); photogrammetry
(Agisoft Photoscan, Reality Capture); word processing (MS Office Suite); web design/HTML.
Equipment: Faro Edge Arm Scanner, Faro Focus X330 terrestrial laser scanner, Artec Eva, Artec
Space Spider, DSLR photogrammetry setup; total station.

OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

Timesifters Public Archaeology Outreach Day, DeSoto National Memorial. Archaeology educator,
Florida Archaeology Month event. Bradenton, FL. March 2018.
Laura K. Harrison, Ph.D. Page 9 of 10

Artifact Discovery: Cravens Collection Collaboration with Highgate Heights Elementary. Outreach
session leader, digital archaeology. Buffalo, NY. February 2018.

REVIEWER FOR

Studies in Digital Heritage, Monographs in Mediterranean Archaeology

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

American Anthropological Association; Archaeological Institute of America; Society for American

Archaeology; European Association of Archaeologists; Computer Applications and Quantitative
Methods in Archaeology; Institute for European and Mediterranean Archaeology, TimeSifters
Laura K. Harrison, Ph.D. Page 10 of 10

REFERENCES

1. Dr. Peter F. Biehl

Chair, Department of Anthropology
State University of New York at Buffalo
380 MFAC- Ellicott Complex
Buffalo, NY 14261-0005, USA
Email: pbiehl@buffalo.edu
Phone: +1 716 645-0402 / fax: +1 716 645-3808
2. Dr. Michael Decker
Executive Director, Center for Virtualization and Applied Spatial Technologies
University of South Florida
4202 E. Fowler Ave.
Tampa, FL 33620
Email: mjdecker@usf.edu
Phone: +1 813 974-6209
3. Robert Scalise
Acting/Deputy Director, University at Buffalo Art Galleries
201-A Center for the Arts
Center for the Arts North
Buffalo, NY 14261-0005, USA
Email: rscalise@buffalo.edu
Phone: +1 716 829-3754
4. Dr. Ezra Zubrow
Professor, Department of Anthropology
State University of New York at Buffalo
380 MFAC- Ellicott Complex
Buffalo, NY 14261-0005, USA
Email: zubrow@buffalo.edu
Phone: +1 716 645-0411
5. Dr. Sarunas Milisauskas
Professor, Department of Anthropology
State University of New York at Buffalo
467 Richmond, Bldg. 4-Ellicott Complex
Buffalo, NY 14261-0005, USA
Email: smilis@buffalo.edu
Phone: +1 716 645-0412