I am Adela Cebeiro, the PI of the Ukophula Field Project. I am currently based at New York University (USA) where I am getting my PhD in Archaeology. Previously, I obtained a BA in Archaeology and Anthropology from University College London (UK) and an MPhil in Human Evolutionary Studies from the University of Cambridge (UK). Overall, my research focuses on reconstructing the mechanisms involved in the emergence and evolution of primate (human and non-human) stone tool technology. My main areas of expertise are primate archaeology, the anatomical and cognitive diversity of early hominins, primate behavioral ecology and lithic technology.
I am setting up the Ukophula Field Project as part of my PhD. Particularly, my dissertation aims to understand how social and material learning contexts structure variation in percussive performance and material signatures in capuchin nut-cracking. My dissertation project is more closely associated with the social and material dimensions of the UFP, but it still needs to incorporate the spatial dimension. Future research will continue to delve deep into the Three-Dimensional Technology concept.
Isabella Iturrate is an undergraduate freshman at NYU, studying anthropology and classical civilizations. Her main interests include paleoanthropology, archaeology, and classics, all with the aim to better understand human experience of the past and present. Isabella worked in the African Palaeosciences lab at NYU over the summer while she was in high school, and is excited to continue her work here as an undergraduate!
As part of the UFP, Isabella focuses on the material dimension looking at the hammerstone and anvil data found at Monkeyland.
Jamie September is the first field research assistant of the UFP. His main interests involve understanding animal behavior in connection with the environment, and the importance of animal welfare and conservation.
As part of the UFP, Jamie helps with the collection of behavioral data associated with the social and spatial dimensions of nut-cracking behavior. This is his first time working at a field site from the perspective of a researcher.
Adriana Hendrickson-Slack is a current undergraduate junior studying Global Public Health and Anthropology with a minor in Environmental Biology. Her main interests include medical anthropology, ethnography, and evolution. Adriana has had previous research experience at NYU Langone and Memorial Sloan Kettering researching the intersections of gynecological oncology and the effects of cancer drugs (Bevacizumab). Adriana is excited to continue her research and expand her mind on the different fields of Anthropology!
As a part of the UFP, Adriana helps analyze and input behavioral nut-cracking data.
Dr. Justin Pargeter is the PhD advisor of Adela Cebeiro. His research focuses on early human migrations, stone tool technologies, and the ways in which ancient peoples adapted to changing environments. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in Africa, especially in South Africa and Lesotho, exploring how early humans used stone tools to survive and thrive in diverse landscapes. His interdisciplinary approach often integrates archaeology with other fields, such as geology and environmental science, to better understand the complexities of human evolution.
As part of the UFP, Dr. Justin Pargeter provides insight into the material, social and spatial dimensions of primate technology, and how to connect the present-day capuchin monkey tools with the archaeological record.
ukophulafieldproject.com 