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People > Alec Iacobucci

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Alec Iacobucci

PhD Candidate in Archaeology

Alec Iacobucci is a PhD candidate in Archaeology at the University of Washington, where he also earned his Master’s degree. His research focuses on leveraging digital tools to analyze ceramic assemblages, particularly handmade ceramics from the island of Mallorca, Spain. By applying innovative computational methods, Alec aims to uncover new insights into materials often overlooked by traditional archaeological approaches. 

 

A dedicated educator, Alec has extensive teaching experience in archaeology, anthropology, French, and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures. He was awarded the Peggy Yeager Excellence in Teaching Award for 2021–2023 and has served as a Teaching Assistant and Pre-doctoral Instructor in the Anthropology/Archaeology department. He has taught courses such as FREN 101–103, ARCHY 205, and NEARE 313, and has supported students in GIS, mapping, and data science. Alec is passionate about making research accessible to undergraduates and fostering their active participation in meaningful projects. His work emphasizes linking theoretical concepts to practical, real-world applications, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience in the field.

 

A recipient of the Boeing-Fritz Grant, Alec spent a quarter in Spain collecting data for his research. He has also successfully secured funding for equipment such as drones, computers, and tablets, further advancing the department’s capabilities in mapping and survey work. Alec is a long-standing member of the DiGAR Lab and is committed to open-source solutions that democratize access to advanced archaeological methods.

On Digital Technologies in Archaeology

Alec's work integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis, aligning with his broader interest in landscape-oriented research projects. He is currently developing AMFOrA, an open-source software suite written in Python that extracts multivariate indices from ceramic materials quickly, automatically, and reproducibly. This project reflects his commitment to creating accessible, low-cost digital tools that empower archaeologists to explore regional and group identities through phenomenological connections to material remains. His research helps bridge traditional methods with cutting-edge technologies, affording easy collaborations with advanced techniques like LA-ICP-MS, NAA, and XRF.

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