# Doctoral Dissertation Research: Determining Early Settlement Patterns

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Dartmouth College (NH) · $31,374

## Abstract

This doctoral dissertation award investigates human settlement and agricultural practices at a site that has largely characterized the region as dominated by hunter-gatherers with low population density, who moved seasonally to different environmental settings, and practiced limited, if any, domestic agriculture. New evidence suggests the possible presence of widespread maize cultivation and nucleated permanent villages. Resolution of questions surrounding past settlement and subsistence practices has broad implications for  understanding of the relationships among sedentism, emergent social complexity, and agricultural intensification, as well as the anthropogenic impact on the natural environment prior to population expansion. The study’s use of phytolith analysis advances administrative priorities for investments in understanding the adoption of biotechnological innovations in scientific research. The researcher also makes use of remote sensing methods (LiDAR) and ground-penetrating radar systems (GSST), which enhance the integration of artificial intelligence in scientific research. The project also provides training for graduate students in these analytical and other archaeological methods. 

This project locates, documents, and analyzes archaeological remains through a multi-scalar research strategy. The region where the research is focused is ideal because of the minimal development that has occurred compared to other parts of New England, coupled with an environment

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2535868
- **Awardee organization:** Dartmouth College (NH)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** EB8ASJBCFER9
- **PI:** Jesse Casana
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** ARCHAEOLOGY, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biotechnology, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
- **Estimated total:** $31,374
- **Funds obligated:** $31,374
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2535868

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2535868, Doctoral Dissertation Research: Determining Early Settlement Patterns. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2535868. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*