Janet C. Niessner, MSc, RPA

Experience

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  Office of the State Archaeologist, University of Iowa

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2008

  Archaeologist
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  Museum of Dacian and Roman History

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2007

  Archaeologist
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  Summit Envirosolutions

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2009

  Archaeologist
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  Geo-Marine Inc.

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2010

  Archaeologist
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  Colorado State University

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2008

  Archaeologist
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  PaleoResearch Institute

  Jan 2010 - Jan 2011

  Administrative Assistant
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  AMEC

  Aug 2010 - Oct 2010

  Archaeologist
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  HDR

  Jan 2011 - Jan 2012

  Archaeologist
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  Western Rock Art Research

  Jan 2012 - now

  Archaeologist, GIS specialist, President
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  Bureau of Land Management

  Jan 2012 - Oct 2013

  Archaeologist
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  Cranfield University / UK Defence Academy

  Aug 2012 - Aug 2013

  Forensic Archaeologist and Anthropologist

  Courses include crime scene evidence collection procedures, statistics, excavation of clandestine burials and mass graves, human osteology, skeletal pathology, DNA analysis, toxicology, trace evidence analysis, environmental forensics, a range of analytical techniques, and courtroom skills for 'expert witnesses'.Dissertation: The detection and preservation of arsenite (AsIII) in pig (Sus scrofa) skeletal muscle tissue decomposition in incubated soil.

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  Garcia and Associates

  Jun 2014 - Jul 2014

  Forensic Archaeologist and Anthropologist
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  DirectAMS

  Sept 2014 - May 2018

  Director of Archaeological Services

  During this tenure, I led global sample handling operations about various materials such as botanicals, sediment, bone, shell, calcium carbonate, and graphite. I oversaw sample processing tasks, including sample receiving, contamination assessment, and integrity evaluation, optimizing workflow and resource allocation. I oversaw cathode graphite pressing to safeguard consistency of results for analytical purposes. Additionally, I utilized in-depth knowledge of human and faunal morphology, as well as climate-derived preservation observations. I validated pretreatment and isolation methods, focusing on iron artifacts and mineral patina from Australian rock art. I guided customer site sampling strategy, chemical and statistical capabilities, and supplied via collectors and auction houses. I managed combustion sampling and glass flame sealing under vacuum conditions for assessing samples.· Initiated establishment of ISO 17025 accreditation while ensuring highest standards of quality in sample analysis processes.· Analyzed diverse environments from buried horizons to desert climates via biological tissues, taphonomy, and geomorphology.· Enhanced sample quality and integrity through pretreatment and lyophilization techniques while spearheading sample triage and executing organic and inorganic chemistry processes.· Contributed to geological and environmental research by administrating sediment and botanical fraction isolation techniques, including dry sieving, chemical and water flotation, and density separation.· Calibrated through Calib and OxCal using standard curve and marine and reservoir corrections presented findings at conferences and educated students through outreach programs.· Ensured reliable results for paleontological, archaeological, and modern applications by overseeing bone evaluation, pretreatment, and analysis procedures. Show less

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  University of Louisiana

  Jun 2015 - Jan 2016

  GIS Specialist

  Mapping for a paleontological site.

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  Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians

  May 2018 - now

  Environmental Scientist

  As a professional, I provide instrumental maintenance and effective troubleshooting to guarantee continuous operation of critical equipment. I conduct field sampling through both boat and ground methods to ensure collection of high-quality samples for analysis. I implement techniques including GCMS for pesticides, PCBs, and PAHs, LCMS for PFAS and algal toxins, PCR for quantitative real-time analysis, and Flow Cam for phytoplankton and algae examination. I collaborate with THPO to develop Curations Program, including artifact analysis, human and faunal osteological identifications, NAGPRA compliance, and establishment of GIS program.· Secured $840K in CARES Act Funding from Tribal Council to bolster laboratory capacity while enabling response and recovery from challenges arising due to COVID-19 pandemic.· Obtained $125K annually from Environmental Protection Agency Tribal Response Program since 2018 by managing staff time, GIS capacity enhancement, and procurement of laboratory and contaminant equipment.· Spearheaded $150K two-year laboratory capacity-building project through Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Resilience Program involving procurement of GCMS equipment and sampling and analysis.· Encompass parameters such as total coliform, Escherichia coli bacteria, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, turbidity, macroinvertebrates, phytoplankton, and nutrients by developing EPA-funded laboratory for water quality assessment. Show less