Claire Emily Cook
Moline,IL
Summary
RPA, Project Archaeologist with proven expertise in state and federal cultural resource compliance, specifically in the Upper Midwest, U.S. Highly skilled in technical report writing and adaptive problem solving, I successfully managed complex projects, enhancing stakeholder relationships and ensuring safety compliance, while delivering high-quality results on time and within budget.
Academically, I was the first to publish on acculturation of modern humans to Neanderthal technocultures in Europe during the Middle Paleolithic, Mid-Upper Paleolithic, Initial Upper Paleolithic, and Early Upper Paleolithic. I aim to pursue research outlined in my MSc dissertation in a PhD program.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Archaeologist, Field Supervisor
Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc
03.2024 - 07.2025
- Authored comprehensive project and technical reports that detailed excavation findings, methodology, and contextual analysis, reposed in state institutions.
- Established productive relationships with stakeholders including landowners, private construction firms, and local government officials, ensuring cooperation and support during excavations.
- Successfully managed archaeological projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely progress while adhering to strict budgets.
- Mapped out excavation sites using iCMTGIS Pro software with Arrow 100 GPS unit with sub-meter accuracy, contextualized with QGIS and ArcGIS Pro as detailed figures to supplement reports' text.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of archaeological theories, methods, and best practices through continuous professional development efforts.
- Supervised teams of up to 8 field technicians during Phase I Intensive Archaeological Surveys.
- Determined strategic priorities, outlined proper excavation methods and dispersed daily team tasks at each site to maximize efficiency and enhance time management.
- Increased worksite safety with detailed risk assessments and implementation of comprehensive safety measures in accordance with OSHA and AIA standards.
- Planned and scheduled field activities according to set timelines and order of operations, consistently delivering projects that met quality standards and deadlines.
- Elevated team morale and reduced turnover by recognizing outstanding performances and providing constructive feedback.
Field Archaeologist
Rock Island Arsenal
10.2023 - 03.2024
- Identified important cultural features through careful examination of soil stratigraphy, artifact distribution, and site context.
- Successfully initiated NAGPRA investigation after uncovering sensitive remains in coordination with SHPO, THPOs, County Coroner, County Sheriff, RIA MP, City of Rock Island PD, and other contractors to protect and repatriate remains to their rightful guardians.
- Uncovered significant artifacts by conducting systematic excavations and detailed site surveys.
- Ensured safe work environment through strict adherence to established safety protocols during field operations.
- Detailed daily excavation findings and discoveries in thorough research reports, presentations and published papers.
Senior Plasma Center Technician
Biolife Plasma Services
05.2023 - 10.2023
- Facilitated open channels of communication between staff members and upper management to address concerns within the newly-opened center promptly.
- Maximized equipment efficiency through diligent maintenance, troubleshooting, and timely repairs as needed.
- Contributed to a positive work culture through effective communication, collaboration, and leadership within the team.
- Supported quality assurance initiatives through regular review of policies, procedures, and performance metrics within the plasma center environment.
- Assisted in meeting FDA regulations by preparing accurate documentation and participating in regular audits.
Seasonal Associate
PetSmart
03.2019 - 07.2019
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving complex issues and providing exceptional service at all times.
- Exceeded sales targets consistently by employing strategic selling techniques and building long-lasting relationships with clients.
- Increased sales by customizing pitches to address specific client needs and concerns.
Beauty Advisor
Ulta Beauty Inc.
06.2017 - 09.2017
- Increased sales revenue by effectively upselling and cross-selling beauty items based on client needs.
- Strengthened brand loyalty through exceptional customer service and attentiveness to individual preferences.
- Addressed customer inquiries promptly and professionally, resolving issues efficiently while maintaining a courteous demeanor.
- Developed comprehensive knowledge of various beauty brands'' offerings, enabling accurate suggestions based on specific requirements or preferences.
Education
Certification - ADA Coordinator
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO01-2026
Master of Science - Early Prehistory And Human Origins Archaeology
University of York
York, England, UK05-2023
Bachelor of Science - Anthropology
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05-2021
Certificate - Medieval Studies
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05-2021
High School Diploma -
Bettendorf High School
Bettendorf, IA05-2017
Skills
- State and federal cultural resource compliance
- Remote sensing and spatial mapping
- Radiocarbon dating and interpretation
- Expert technical report writing
- Adaptive Problem Solving
- Fieldwork coordination and implementation
- Geophysical surveying, regional geochronostratigraphy comprehension
Certification
- Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) December 2024 to January 2026 (Registrant ID: 6137)
- Secretary of the Interior (SOI) Qualified Archaeologist
- Society of American Archaeologists (SAA) Member
Timeline
Project Archaeologist, Field Supervisor
Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc
03.2024 - 07.2025
Field Archaeologist
Rock Island Arsenal
10.2023 - 03.2024
Senior Plasma Center Technician
Biolife Plasma Services
05.2023 - 10.2023
Seasonal Associate
PetSmart
03.2019 - 07.2019
Beauty Advisor
Ulta Beauty Inc.
06.2017 - 09.2017
Certification - ADA Coordinator
University of Missouri
Master of Science - Early Prehistory And Human Origins Archaeology
University of York
Bachelor of Science - Anthropology
University of Iowa
Certificate - Medieval Studies
University of Iowa
High School Diploma -
Bettendorf High School
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