RESEARCH INTERESTS

Hunter-gatherer societies, lithic technological organization, indigenous encounters with colonialism, flintknapping, California archaeology

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

M.A.     Anthropology, Public Archaeology, with Distinction
             California State University, Northridge (2018)

Thesis title (lithic analysis):  Trade, Technology, Subsistence, and
Mobility Patterns at Sjútkanga, the Encino Village Site, California

B.S.      Advertising Design, University of Maryland at College Park (1992)

CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

2021     California BLM, Field Director (Cultural Resource Use Permit CA-21-18, Far Western,
Statewide, 2021–2024)

2020     2-Day Off-Road Driving Clinic, Badlands Off Road Adventures (Material Culture Consulting)

2020     Field Supervisory Safety Training (SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc.)

2017     NEPA Essentials Workshop (Association of Environmental Professionals)

2015     Cooper’s Ferry Field School in Cottonwood, Idaho (Oregon State University, Corvallis)

Detailed trowel excavation of one of the oldest sites in the American West. Recorded artifact locations using the Total Station and entered information into the cataloging database on site. Resided at a BLM campsite for duration of the field school season.

CRM EXPERIENCE

Staff Archaeologist, SWCA Environmental Consultants in Pasadena, CA March 2018 to present

  • Conduct archaeological survey, excavation, monitoring, and data recovery in compliance with company and client safety standards and practices
  • Navigate and document site or isolate points and areas using the Trimble GPS unit or tablet-based system
  • Record sites on field forms and Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 series forms with maps, photographs, and detailed descriptions
  • Prepare Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 series forms for submittal to CHRIS Information centers
  • Conduct CHRIS record searches for archaeology and the built environment
  • Contribute to the preparation of Cultural and Tribal Resource Assessment, Historical Resource Assessment, Proponent’s Environmental Assessment, and Environmental Impact reports by writing narratives and summaries based on site data; field notes; and ethnographic, historic, and archival research
  • Manually scrub data in complex excel spreadsheets, removing incorrect, incomplete, improperly formatted, or duplicate entries through comparison of GIS, CHRIS, and field data
  • Writing, technical editing, and figure preparation for year-end reports on utility pole surveys for Southern California Edison, based on site data and field notes
  • Technical editing and data verification of Burial Report and Feature Report from major excavation with cemetery context at San Gabriel Mission
  • Sort and catalog historic artifacts in the laboratory
  • Inventoried field kits, and developed procedures for check in/out of equipment and kits

Archaeologist, TLRR Evaluation Project Along the Ivanpah–Control 115-kV Transmission Line Project, vicinity of Lone Pine and Ridgecrest, CA  February 19–28, and May of 2019, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Survey up to six miles per day over rolling terrain in the Owens Valley during a 10-day rotation in the vicinity of Lone Pine, California. 

Archaeologist, Scotty’s Castle Road Repairs, Death Valley, CA December 3 and 4, 2018; August 29 to September 2, 2019, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Ten-hour days, monitoring of grading and trenching to repair a road in Death Valley National Park that was damaged from a severe thunderstorm. 

Archaeologist, Site Evaluation and Impact Assessment of the Old Kernville Cemetery Project, Wofford Heights, CA  October 22–25, 2018, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Trench excavation and screening of cemetery perimeter to remediate unauthorized ground disturbance on Sequoia National Forest lands. Created site map and sidewall profile of cut bank.

Archaeologist, Tarzana Reimagined Project, Tarzana, CA October 10–12, 15, November 30, 2018, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Monitoring of trenching and manual excavation on a hospital property.

Archaeologist, Tehachapi Wind Repower, Tehachapi, CA August 23, 2018, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Survey of an unpaved road at a wind farm that was slated for grading.

Archaeologist, Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Los Angeles, CA April 23 and 25, May 30 to June 1, and June 5, 2018, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc. 
Tasks include excavation of an early 20th century historic privy and construction monitoring of grading and trenching for a new museum. 

Archaeologist, Secondary Sewer Renewal Program,Los Angeles, CA May 10 and 14, 2018, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc. 
Monitoring of sewer replacement activities in downtown Los Angeles. 

Archaeologist, Catalina Pebbly Beach Microwave Tower for Southern California Edison, Catalina Island, CA May 9, 2019, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc. 
Survey and relocation of archaeological sites and photographic documentation of historic garage on Catalina Island, California. 

Volunteer Lab Technician, Los Encinos State Historic Park Laboratory in Encino, CA January 2015 to June 2018, California Department of Parks and Recreation
Sorted and cataloged of diverse cultural materials from the Encino Village Site, including ceramics, shell, lithics, faunal and more. Included Fernandeño Tataviam cultural heritage from approximately the last 2,000 years. Over 600 hours spent working on the collection from the site. 

Archaeological Field Technician, Data Recovery at Crowder Canyon CA-LAN-713 in Victorville, CA late August to early September 2016, Cogstone, Inc. (in conjunction with Applied Earthworks, Inc.)
Controlled manual excavation of a late Millingstone Horizon archaeological site with thermal features. Separated screened lithics, bone, seeds, and carbon and carefully documented arbitrary excavation levels, features and photos.

Student, Cooper’s Ferry Field School, Cottonwood, ID Summer 2015, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Detailed trowel excavation of one of the oldest sites in the American West. Recorded artifact locations using the Total Station and entered information into the cataloging database on site. Resided at a BLM campsite for duration of the field school season.

Archaeological Field Technician, Data Recovery at CA-LAN-2768/H Locus A, Located on Lots 18–20 of Tract 49104-04 in Playa Vista, CA late October to early November 2013, Statistical Research, Inc.
Wet screened cultural material for data recovery project in Playa Vista.

Archaeological Field Technician,Archaeological Monitoring for the Antelope Valley Solar Ranch One Project in Los Angeles County, CA July through early September 2013, Statistical Research, Inc.
Conducted archaeological monitoring with Native American partners at the Antelope Valley Solar Ranch in Lancaster, CA during final construction phases. Illustrated artifacts in the field.

Archaeological Illustrator and Graphic Designer,Archaeological Survey and Mitigation of Donnelly Training Area, Alaska work performed in Los Angeles, CA June – October 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMMLat Colorado State University)
Assisted in report preparation by illustrating artifacts, cleaning up artifact photos, and creating artifact turn-arounds, soil profiles, posters, and site maps for publishing.

Archaeological Field Technician,Reno, NV  October and November 2003, Kautz Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Phase I survey and Phase II testing and recordation for telephone line installation and new housing project mitigation.

Archaeological Field Technician, Archaeological Survey and Mitigation of Donnelly Training Area, Alaska in Delta Junction, Alaska  May–September 2002 and May–September 2003, Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML at Colorado State University)
Performed Phase I survey (up to 10 km per day) and shovel testing at the Ft. Greely Military Installation over rough terrain. Used GPS unit for navigation and site documentation. Recorded detailed site descriptions and completed sketch maps. Organized computer files, developed form templates, illustrated clean maps for reports, catalogued artifacts, and proofread documents. Followed safety procedures relevant to terrain, animal and military presence.

Archaeological Field Technician, Archaeological Survey and Mitigation at Dove Springs OHV Area,California City, CA, December 2002, Ancient Enterprises
Survey and recordation of archaeological sites including lithic scatters, bedrock mortars, and pictographs at an off-highway vehicle park.

Archaeological Field Technician, Archaeological Survey and Mitigation of Military Lands at Edwards Air Force Base outside of Lancaster, CA  February 2001–April 2002, October –December 2002, Ancient Enterprises
Surveyed (up to 7 km per day) and conducted Phase II testing and recordation of desert sites at Edwards Air Force Base in restricted and non-restricted areas. Excavated and documented units, inventoried artifacts, mapped features and completed surface unit inventories. Laboratory work included artifact illustration, identification, and cataloging. Illustrated site and feature maps for report preparation. Ensured personal safety within the Precision Impact Range Area through an awareness of base procedures and potential dangers, both military and environmental.

LEADERSHIP AND OTHER EXPERIENCE

Over 20 years of experience in the graphic design industry, in both supervisory and self-reliant roles. Award-winning art direction of interactive media and creation of print materials. Experience in project management, user experience, writing, editing, photography, illustration and proofreading. 

TECHNICAL REPORTS

Newcomb, Alyssa, Joanne Minerbi, and Rebekka Knierim. (2019) Cultural Resources Report for the SCE Headquarters Camp Site (CA-TUL-875H), Sequoia National Forest, Tulare County, California. SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc. Submitted to the Sequoia National Forest. 

Minerbi, Joanne, Kyle Montgomery, and Alyssa Newcomb. (2018) Cultural Resources Survey and Monitoring Report for Southern California Edison’s Replacement of Deteriorated Poles in Support of the Region 5 Special Use Permit R5000302, Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties, California.SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc. Submitted to the Angeles National Forest and Southern California Edison.

Minerbi, Joanne, Kyle Montgomery, and Alyssa Newcomb. (2018) Cultural Resources Survey and Monitoring Report for Southern California Edison’s Replacement of Deteriorated Poles in Support of the Region 5 Special Use Permit R5000302, Los Padres National Forest, Kern, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties, California.SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc. Submitted to the Los Padres National Forest and Southern California Edison.

Minerbi, Joanne, Kyle Montgomery, and Alyssa Newcomb. (2018) Cultural Resources Survey and Monitoring Report for Southern California Edison’s Replacement of Deteriorated Poles in Support of the Region 5 Special Use Permit R5000302, San Bernardino National Forest, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, California.SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc. Submitted to the San Bernardino National Forest and Southern California Edison.

Minerbi, Joanne, Kyle Montgomery, and Alyssa Newcomb. (2018) Cultural Resources Survey and Monitoring Report for Southern California Edison’s Replacement of Deteriorated Poles in Support of the Region 5 Special Use Permit R5000302, Sequoia National Forest, Fresno, Kern, and Tulare Counties, California. SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc. Submitted to the Sequoia National Forest and Southern California Edison.

Minerbi, Joanne, Kyle Montgomery, and Alyssa Newcomb. (2018) Cultural Resources Survey and Monitoring Report for Southern California Edison’s Replacement of Deteriorated Poles in Support of the Region 5 Special Use Permit R5000302, Inyo National Forest, Inyo and Mono Counties, California.SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc. Submitted to the Inyo National Forest and Southern California Edison.

Minerbi, Joanne, Kyle Montgomery, and Alyssa Newcomb. (2018) Cultural Resources Survey and Monitoring Report for Southern California Edison’s Replacement of Deteriorated Poles in Support of the Region 5 Special Use Permit R5000302, Sierra National Forest, Fresno and Madera Counties, California. SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc. Submitted to the Sierra National Forest and Southern California Edison.

Millington, Chris, and Joanne Minerbi. (2018) Tribal Cultural Resources Assessment for the 3600 Wilshire Boulevard Project, City of Los Angeles, California.SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc. Submitted to the Los Angeles Department of City Planning.

Millington, Chris, and Joanne Minerbi. (2018) Tribal Cultural Resources Assessment for the 2800 Casitas Lofts Project, City of Los Angeles, California.SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc. Submitted to the Los Angeles Department of City Planning.

Gibson, Heather, Alex Wesson, and Joanne Minerbi. (2018) Cultural and Paleontological Resources Monitoring and Mitigation Plan for the Jacinto 62 Project, Mentone Area, San Bernardino County, California.SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc. Submitted to the County of San Bernardino.

Newcomb, Alyssa, and Joanne Minerbi. (2018) Cultural Resources Study for the City of Williams Water System Improvement Project, Williams, Colusa County, California.Submitted to McGinnis and Associates, LLC.

Robertson, Aaron C., Julie Esdale, Molly Proue, Scott Shirar, C. Kanani Paraso, and Christopher Ciancibelli. Joanne Minerbi (Illustrator). (2008) Annual Report. Archaeological Survey and Mitigation: Donnelly Training Area, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, 2007.

Robertson, Aaron C., Nancy Fichter and Kirsten Anderson. Joanne Minerbi (Illustrator). (2004) Annual Report. Archaeological Survey and Evaluation: Fort Richardson and Fort Wainright, Alaska, 2003.

PRESENTATIONS AND POSTERS

2019     Making Stone Tools to Connect with Past People: A Case Study in Active Learning about Lithics with the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society for California Archaeology, Sacramento, CA, March 7–10. 

2018     Trade, Technology, Subsistence, and Mobility Patterns of Sjútkanga, the Encino Village Site, California.Presentation to the Ventura County Archaeological Society, Thousand Oaks, CA

2018     Making Stone Tools to Connect with Past People: A Case Study in Active Learning about Lithics with the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians.Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology, Washington, D.C., April 11–15. 

2017     To be a Scholar is to be Relevant: Sharing Knowledge with the Public,with Elisabeth Rareshide. Paper presented at the first annual Association for Student Anthropologists Conference at California State University, Los Angeles, CA, April 29.

2017     Lithics of the Lost Village: Patterns of Trade and Technology at Sjútkanga, the Encino Village Site. Paper presented at the Annual AnthroExpo at California State University, Northridge, CA.

2014     Morphometric Evaluation of Rapa Nui Mata’a, with Dr. Carl Lipo and Rene Horneman. Poster presented at the 79th Society of American Anthropologists Annual Conference in Austin, TX.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Member of the Society for American Archaeology (Student Member of the Committee on the Status of Women in Archaeology, 2014‒2017), the Society for California Archaeology, and the Ventura County Archaeological Society

ARCHAEOLOGY SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

2018    Graduated with Distinction, Master’s Degree in Anthropology from California State University, Northridge in May 2018

2018    Antonio Gilman Scholarship in Recognition of an Outstanding Student in Archaeology, Department of Anthropology, California State University, Northridge

2016    Certificate of Achievement, Excellence in Scholarship and Service, Department of Anthropology, California State University, Northridge

RELEVANT COURSEWORK

California Archaeology, Lithic Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Artifact Analysis, Practicum in Cultural Resource Management, Quantitative Statistical Methods in Anthropology, Archaeological Illustration, Human Osteology Lab, Ceramics Lab, Geology 

PUBLIC OUTREACH

  • Flintknapping Demonstration to Boy Scout Troop 740, College Park, MD,March 2017
  • Flintknapping Demonstration to Anthropology Club of Santa Monica College, CA, March 2017

Basics of cultural lithic identification and properties presented to a student audience. Presentation included demonstration of percussion and pressure techniques, and a chance for students to get hands-on experience with materials and tools.

  • Professional Lithics Education Seminar for Fernandeño Tataviam cultural monitors, December 2017
  • Family Lithics Workshop for the Fernandeño Tataviam tribe of Southern California, March 2017
  • Family Lithics Workshop for the Fernandeño Tataviam tribe of Southern California, July 2016

PowerPoint slides conveys how to recognize culturally-modified lithics, how they are manufactured, and what we can learn from them. The program includes show-and-tell stations of lithic materials and artifacts and a flintknapping demonstration by Matthew Des Lauriers. Participants are encouraged to try percussion and pressure flaking for themselves. The Professional Lithics Workshop is a more in-depth version of the program for Native American cultural monitors. It is designed to cover terminology, improve skills, encourage confidence, and inspire a passion for the subject of lithics.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

ArcGIS (intermediate level); Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator; Scanners; Trimble GPS Units and tablets.