Ancient and Contemporary Environmental Bioindicators Laboratory (ACEBioLab)

The Ancient and Contemporary Environmental Bioindicators Laboratory (ACEBioLab), located in PAS 2271A, supports research on human-environment interactions utilizing cutting edge technology for conducting microspatial analyses of human tissues from past and living populations. This laboratory houses sample preparation systems (including precision saws, grinder/polishers, micromill) and microscopes with 2D and 3D imaging systems.

Support for the foundation of ACEBioLab comes from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation – John R. Evans Leaders Fund and an Ontario Research Fund – Infrastructure grant (#37473).

Equipment

Buehler Cast N’ Vac 1000

Vacuum impregnation of fragile samples

Buehler IsoMet 1000 Precision Saw

High precision, low speed, digital saw
RPM ranges from 100-975

Buehler EcoMet 30 Manual Twin Grinder Polisher

Two discs for rapid grinding and polishing of samples

Wanhao Boxman-1 UV Light Chamber

Emits steady UV light to cure photopolymer resin, making it harder and more durable.

ESI Micromill

Microscope equipped with a mill for precision removal of powdered samples of skeletal and dental material
Equipped with high resolution camera for detailed imaging of sample before, during, and after milling

Olympus BX53M Upright Microscope

Polarized light scope for advanced microscopy
Built in 18-megapixel camera for sample imaging
Computer workstation with OLYMPUS Stream software: Image capture, image processing, quantitative measurements, and report creation.

Olympus SZX16 Stereo Microscope

Large field of view and long working distance allows flexible imaging of smaller and larger objects
Built in 18-megapixel SC180 high resolution camera for sample imaging
Dual lighting from lens mounted light ring or external Schott KL 1600 light box for the choice between bright and softer lighting
Computer workstation with OLYMPUS Stream software: Image capture, image processing, quantitative measurements, and report creation

Other Equipment

Hot plate
Sonicator
Precision scale (0.0001)
Digital calipers

Collections

Early Bronze Age human and faunal remains from Wadi Faynan 100 in Southern Jordan. Excavated as part of the ongoing Barqa Landscape Project (with Dr. Russell Adams and Dr. Chris Yakymchuk)
Ancient Nubian bones, teeth, hair and skin from several sites
Medieval “monks” from Gurat, France
Contemporary Norwegian teeth

People

Dr. Alexis Dolphin

Director of the Ancient and Contemporary Environmental Bioindicators Laboratory

Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology

Jeff Coffin, M.A.

Manager of the Ancient and Contemporary Environmental Bioindicators Laboratory (ACEBioLab)

Current Graduate Students

Julia Tucciarone – Thesis research: “Dental anthropology of individuals from Wadi Faynan 100, Jordan”

Serena DiBiase- Thesis research: “An osteobiographical analysis of a charnel house (Grave 3) at Wadi Fayan 100, Jordan”

Kaithleen Tan – Thesis research: “Heavy metals exposure of Early Bronze Age individuals from Wadi Faynan 100, Jordan”

Contact Us

If you would like more information about ACEBioLab facilities, collaborative research inquiries, sample preparation assistance, or graduate and undergraduate research opportunities, please contact Dr. Dolphin.