Q: When is the application due? When will I hear back?
A: We are not currently accepting applications for 2024. We will begin reviewing applications on February 15th. You are welcome to turn your application in after that "soft" deadline, but we may not get to your application. All applicants who apply by February 15th will receive a decision by March 10th. Depending on the number of applicants, we may ask if you would like to be put on a waiting list.
Q: Can I apply if I'm not a University of Wyoming student? Will preference be given to University of Wyoming students and alums?
A: Yes! You can certainly apply if you're not a current or past UW student. We will give preference to UW students but all are encouraged to apply. If you're not affiliated with UW, we encourage you to email Dr. Bree with any questions you might have.
Q: What will I need to bring?
A: Please consult the gear list.
Q: How hard is field archaeology in Alaska? What should I be prepared for?
A: You can plan to work for about 8.5 hours per day each day we're in the field. Most of the time, this will involve you digging, screening, operating the Total Station, or organizing artifacts. Sometimes, this will be loading and unloading gear and groceries, moving dirt, or removing underbrush.
Archaeological fieldwork demands patience and can be physically challenging. You can compare it to gardening. There's a lot of bending over, working on hands and knees, and trimming roots. It can also be challenging to have all of your work in an excavation unit on display. Be prepared for both physical and emotional challenges. You'll be learning a lot of new skills, and everyone makes mistakes when they're learning.
Q: What should I expect to pay? What does tuition cover?
A: Field school tuition and fees will total approximately $3000. This will include all field food, lodging, and transport from May 23rd to June 30th, including airport pick up. You are only responsible for Fairbanks/Denali meals, laundry, and shower costs. Your tuition also includes the cost of the 6 credits you will receive and the cost of field and lab supplies we will use.
Travel to Fairbanks will cost between $400-600 from the lower 48. In 2021, we found tickets as cheap as $220 round trip from Denver. If you want to attend the field school, but the cost of flying is prohibitive, please let us know in your application.
Q: Can I travel before or after the field school?
A: Sure! We expect you to be in Fairbanks no later than the evening of May 23rd, and plan to depart Fairbanks no earlier than the morning June 30th. If you choose to stay longer, we can also give you recommendations for things to do but your lodging is on you. One popular option is to rent a camper van or truck and take yourself on a road tour. The Alaska Railroad also offers a beautiful trip between Fairbanks and Anchorage.
Q: What is the lodging like?
A: On the lake, we will be tent camping. Bring a tent with a good rain fly and a sleeping bag rated to at least 20ºF, or a sleeping bag with a liner (also called a bivvy bag). The lake has outhouses but no running water or electricity. Cell phone service is poor. In Fairbanks, you will share a large kitchenette suite with 5 other field school students. You can also do your laundry and access WiFi. You will be able to store electronics and valuables in Fairbanks during field sessions.
Q: What will we be eating?
A: We will prepare meal plans for each session that are tasty and satisfy everyone's dietary needs. Breakfast will be oatmeal or granola, lunch will be wraps and sandwiches, and dinners will be simple hot meals like stroganoff, tacos, and stews. Students will work on teams to prepare meals and do other camp chores. We don't have refrigeration at the cabin so some meals will be meat-free. It may not be possible for us to accommodate every food preference but we will do our best.
Q: What is the lake like? Can I fish? Swim? Hike?
A: Quartz Lake is a large, deep lake that is stocked with trout and salmon and provides a home to many species of waterfowl. We also frequently see moose on the lake and running from us on the trail. If you buy a fishing license, you're welcome to bring your rod and reel if you'd like to fish after fieldwork. Swimming is also possible but the lake is quite shallow for about 100m so you will have to wade or float out to deeper water. There is a trail that goes around the lake that you are welcome to explore as well, but you will be expected to go in pairs with bear spray (see below).
Q: What is the weather like in May and June?
A: The weather tends to be mild in May and June, with highs ranging from 65-80ºF during the day and lows ranging from 40-55ºF at night. It can be really sunny during this part of the summer, but rain is always on the table. We will set up tarps over the excavation area to stay dry.
Q: How bad are the bugs?
A: Like the weather, the bugs can vary. The unofficial Alaskan state bird is the mosquito. We will have ample DEET bug repellents on hand (a.k.a, Alaskan perfume). If the weather is sunny, they tend to be less annoying. If it gets really hot, horseflies may come out. You may want to bring a head net for bugs just in case.
Q: Are there bears?
A: Black and brown bears do live around Quartz Lake and residents have sighted them in recent years, though they are primarily drawn to garbage left outdoors. We will maintain a scent-free camp and keep trash locked up at night. Instructors will also carry bear spray and a shotgun to camp and the field site. Large groups like ours usually dissuade curious bears.
Q: Is it really light for 24 hours?
A: Yes, especially as it gets closer to solstice. Expect to be able to read in your tent without a headlamp. You should bring a face mask or a beanie to cover your eyes at night if you are sensitive to light.
Q: How far is the closest clinic?
A: Delta Junction, roughly 20 minutes from Quartz Lake, has the closest clinic. Fairbanks, 90 minutes from Quartz Lake, has the closest hospital. We will bring an InReach device for any emergencies that may arise and Dr. Bree is a certified wilderness first responder (thru 2024).