Michael Bryk Memorial Grant

Michael Bryk was a beloved friend and colleague who lived an incredible life but passed away too soon in March of 2024.

Michael was a wonderful person and a passionate archaeologist with Logan Simpson. Michael was enamored with his position as an archaeological laboratory director and loved to express his curiosity, learn new things, and explore the prehistory and history of the Southwestern U.S./Northwestern Mexico. Many young people share this fascination with learning about the past, yet they may struggle to afford the tools, equipment, or travel-related expenses associated with their research interests.

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Michael Bryk by supporting students who are following in his footsteps.

Any undergraduate or graduate student pursuing anthropology, archaeology, or museum studies with at least a 3.5 GPA may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they conduct their research in the Southwestern U.S/Northwestern Mexico. The winner should use the grant money for a research project focused on some form of artifact analysis, analysis of paleoenvironmental samples, or curation. Scholarship funds can be used for analytical fees, travel, or other research-related expenses. Possible examples include:

• Provenance analysis of ceramics, obsidian, or other materials using compositional, petrographic, and other analytical methods.
• Paleobotanical and paleoenvironmental analysis of soil samples.
• Chronometric analyses, especially using innovative methods other than radiocarbon dating.
• Cost for travel to a museum or repository to conduct artifact analyses.
• Purchase of analytical equipment.
• 3-D modeling of complex artifacts.
• New ideas and approaches to artifact curation.
• Pathways to address the curation crisis and space limitations in archaeological repositories.

Experimental or innovative analysis are encouraged.

To apply, tell us what field and type of analysis you’re interested in, why you’re passionate about it, and how you would use the funds.