MEET THE ACI TEAM

Nelson Rodriguez, a Registered Professional Archaeologist, has 23 years of professional experience in public archaeology and cultural resource management in Florida and Texas. He earned his MA from the University of South Florida where he focused on the protohistoric period of the Apalachicola area. His current research focuses on the application of digital and remote sensing technologies in predictive models or research, especially in coastal zones. In addition to project planning, remote sensing technologies like LiDAR and Ground Penetrating Radar are used in the analysis of data or in additional exploration. These technologies are especially useful for re-discovery of “lost” or unmarked burials as well illustration of morphological changes to archaeological landscapes where time may have partially erased historic land use features. Nelson is experienced with compliance in Section 106 (National Historic Preservation Act) and Chapter 267 of Florida Statutes (Florida Historic Resources Act). Mr. Rodriguez was previously employed by Texas Parks and Wildlife as a park archaeologist and biological resource specialist. While there, he was responsible for the management and protection of all cultural and natural resources for Big Bend Ranch State Park (312,000 acres), managed GIS field data (Trimble hardware/software, ArcGIS), as well as recommending and implementing mitigation strategies for natural or cultural resources. As the senior Field Archaeologist, he is Wilderness Medicine Certified (NOLS) and AED certified, he has also completed training in OSHA construction safety, and has experience monitoring industrial activities within a state registered site. Nelson serves as a Senior Archaeologist, GIS Specialist, and is responsible for assisting with research design, as well as GIS, LiDAR, and geophysical analysis.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I’m a dog whisperer.

Jean Lammie has over 6 years of professional experience in public archaeology and historical archaeology in Florida and the Chesapeake. She earned her M.A. in early American history and Public History from the University of South Florida in 2010 and earned her Ph.D. in Applied Anthropology from the University of South Florida in 2024. Her research focuses on interactions between Seminoles, soldiers, and settlers during the early nineteenth century. Prior to joining ACI, Jean taught university courses and worked on numerous local public archaeology projects. Jean is an active member of Time Sifters Archaeology Society, Society for Historical Archaeology, Southeastern Archaeological Conference, and Florida Anthropological Society.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I am the Executive Director of Reflections of Manatee, an inclusive history museum in Manatee County. 

Crystal Perrelli has over 3 years of experience in Florida. She earned her BA in Visual and Emerging Media Management from the University of Central Florida and her MA in Anthropology from the University of South Florida; she is also a Registered Professional Archaeologist. Crystal conducts Phase I cultural resource assessment surveys as a crew chief and participates in Phase II and III excavations. Ms. Perrelli also works with our Department of Transportation team conducting research and preparation of report documents. Ms. Perrelli is versed in the Florida Division of Historical Resources Compliance and Review Section process; she assists project archaeologists in developing research designs, focusing on compliance with Florida Administrative Code stipulations.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I Won the 2021 FAS Student Paper Award for a presentation based on my Masters research.

Joe Bomberger has more than seven years of experience in cultural resource management. Joe received his BA in Anthropology/Sociology from Elizabethtown College in 2013 and his MA in Applied Archaeology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2020. He is also a Registered Professional Archaeologist. Prior to joining ACI, Joe was an archaeologist for the Allegheny National Forest and the US Virgin Islands National Park. He also conducted compliance review for the Florida Division of Historical Resources. His master’s thesis focused on the utilization and decline of passenger pigeons in Northwestern Pennsylvania, specifically on Haudenosaunee hunting in the 19th century, utilizing documentary and ethnographic accounts as well as GIS modeling and field survey to develop a site predictive model for pigeon hunting camps. Currently he is a Senior Archaeologist and GIS Specialist/Graphic Designer responsible for assisting with research design planning, GIS analysis of data, and the production of high-quality GIS maps and graphics for cultural resource assessment survey reports and Florida Master Site File forms.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I met a black bear in the woods face to face and survived.

Justin Winkler has more than 20 years of experience in Florida archaeology. He earned his BA in Anthropology from Southern Methodist University and completed graduate course work at the University of South Florida. He conducts Phase I archaeological surveys and participates in the planning and execution of Phase II and III excavations, under the direction of a Principal Investigator. Mr. Winkler is trained in the use of the Trimble 7X and Juno5 GPD devices for accurate and rapid recording of shovel test locations and site data. Justin teams with the GIS specialists to coordinate GIS data communication between the field and office. He also oversees field crews and ensures that they follow all safety procedures, especially on large-scale projects in remote areas of Florida and in Arkansas. As a crew chief he is CPR, First Aid and AED certified; he has also completed training in OSHA construction safety.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I spent 8 years in Central Italy excavating an Etruscan hilltop settlement.

Katherine Baar has over 15 years of experience in Florida. She earned her BA in anthropology from Florida State University. Katie conducts Phase I cultural resource assessment surveys as a crew chief and participates in Phase II and III excavations. Ms. Baar is versed in the Florida Division of Historical Resources Compliance and Review Section process; she assists project archaeologists in developing research designs, evaluating linear resources per Division of Historical Resources requirements, and quality assurance reviews, focusing on compliance with Florida Administrative Code stipulations. Ms. Baar is trained in the use of the Trimble 7X and Juno 5 GPS devices for accurate recording of shovel tests and site data. As a crew chief she is CPR, First Aid and AED certified, she has also completed training in OSHA construction safety.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I have hiked several sections of the Appalachian Trail.

Jason Aiken has over 18 years of experience in Florida. He earned a BA in anthropology from the University of South Florida. Jason conducts Phase I cultural resource assessment surveys as a crew chief and participates in Phase II and III excavations. Mr. Aiken is versed in the Florida Division of Historical Resources Compliance and Review Section process; he assists project archaeologists in developing research designs, evaluating linear resources per Division of Historical Resources requirements, and quality assurance reviews, focusing on compliance with Florida Administrative Code stipulations. Jason is trained in the use of the Trimble 7X and Juno 5 GPS devices for accurate recording of shovel tests and site data. As a crew chief he is CPR, First Aid and AED certified, he has also completed training in OSHA construction safety.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: : I was a beekeeper for many years.

Amanda Centeno has over 5 years of experience in Florida. She earned her BA in Anthropology from the University of South Florida. Amanda conducts Phase I cultural resource assessment surveys as a crew chief and participates in Phase II and III excavations. Ms. Centeno is versed in the Florida Division of Historical Resources Compliance and Review Section process; she assists project archaeologists in developing research designs, focusing on compliance with Florida Administrative Code stipulations. Ms. Centeno is trained in the use of a variety of GPS devices for accurate recording of shovel tests and site data. As a crew chief she is CPR, First Aid and AED certified, she has also completed training in OSHA construction safety.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME:

David Rodriguez has over 5 years of experience in Florida. Mr. Rodriguez earned his BA in Anthropology from the University of South Florida. He conducts Phase I cultural resource assessment surveys and participates in Phase II and III excavations. Mr. Rodriguez is versed in the Florida Division of Historical Resources Compliance and Review Section process; he assists project archaeologists in developing research designs, focusing on compliance with Florida Administrative Code stipulations.. Mr. Rodriguez is trained in the use of a variety of GPS devices for accurate recording of shovel tests and site data. As a crew chief he is CPR, First Aid and AED certified, he has also completed training in OSHA construction safety.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: Avid baseball fan, particularly the Tampa Bay Rays.

Zack Enfinger has six years of field experience in Florida working for state and federal agencies. He earned his BA in Anthropology from the University of South Florida. Zack conducts Phase I cultural resource assessment surveys as a crew chief and participates in Phase II and III excavations. Mr. Enfinger is familiar with the Florida Division of Historical Resources Compliance and Reviews process; he assists project archaeologists in developing research designs, focusing on compliance with Florida Administrative Code stipulations. He is trained in the use of the Trimble 7X and Juno 5 GPS devices for accurate recording of shovel tests and site data. As a crew chief, he is CPR, First Aid and AED certified, and has also completed training in OSHA construction safety.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I took part in a Romanian Bioarch field school excavating and analyzing of medieval burials.

Alec Potter has four years of experience in Florida. Mr. Potter earned his AS in Anthropology and his BS in Anthropology at Florida State University. He conducts Phase I cultural resource assessment surveys and participates in Phase II and III excavations. Mr. Potter is versed in the Florida Division of Historical Resources Compliance and Review Section process. Mr. Potter is trained in the use of a variety of GPS devices for accurate recording of shovel tests and site data. As a crew chief he is CPR, First Aid and AED certified, and he has completed training in OSHA construction safety.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I’ve jumped out of various aircraft 21 times.

Mary Maisel has seven years of field experience in Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology in 2017 and completed her Masters Degree in Applied Anthropology from University of South Florida in 2023. Ms. Maisel conducts Phase I archaeological surveys and participates in Phase II and Phase III excavations under the direction of a Principal Investigator. She is versed in the Florida Division of Historical Resources Compliance and Review section process; she assists project archaeologists in developing research designs, focusing on compliance with Florida Administrative Code Stipulations. Ms. Maisel has experience in bioarcheology, zooarchaeology, prehistoric archaeology, and physical anthropology. As a crew chief, she is CPR, first aid, and AED certified. She has also completed training in OSHA safety.

Savannah Finch received her BA in Anthropology from the University of South Florida and then earned her Masters of Historic Preservation (MHP) from the University of Georgia. Ms. Finch was an architectural historian through the University of Georgia’s FindIt! Program – a statewide cultural resource program sponsored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources – Historic Preservation Division and Georgia Transmission Corporation. Through this experience she became skilled in field survey methods, vernacular, high-style, and mid-twentieth century architectural identification and documentation, report creation, and mapping through Georgia’s Natural, Archaeological, and Historic Resources GIS (GNAHRGIS). Ms. Finch developed an expertise in Florida’s roadside attractions and architecture, as well as Florida’s tourism history through her thesis research focusing on assessing the historic integrity of Florida’s spring-based roadside attractions including Silver, Weeki Wachee, Rainbow, and Homosassa Springs. Savannah also has experience in historic archaeology and forensic anthropology. Ms. Finch works primarily on our Department of Transportation and corridor projects team conducting detailed research, survey, and preparation of report documents.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: My free time is spent restoring our ca. 1900 New South cottage in rural Georgia, tending to my vegetable garden, and obsessing over my furbabies.

Kyle Gaylor received his BA in History and Anthropology from the University of South Florida and then went on to receive an MA in Classical Civilizations from Florida State University and another MA in Architectural and Cultural Heritage from the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in Germany. While attending FSU, he also worked as an instructor and a research assistant at the university. Kyle further sharpened his understanding of the National Register of Historic Places and Historic Districts through his thesis focusing on Ybor City, Florida. Kyle also has some experience in historic archaeology.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I play the drums!

Madeline Westrom-Simons, an architectural historian with more than five years of experience in documenting historic buildings, structures, and landscapes, received her Bachelor of Arts in History from Carroll College in Helena, Montana. After graduation, Ms. Westrom-Simons focused on preserving Montana’s heritage, lands, and places. During her time there, she conducted surveys of historic main street districts and assisted in community maintenance and stewardship recommendations. In addition, she helped establish the local, state, and national significance of the Bozeman National Fish Hatchery, further developing her understanding of the National Register of Historic Places criteria and registration process. Most significantly, Madeline directed the Big Sky Schoolhouse Survey, which sought to find and document all active and inactive one- and two-room schools in the state of Montana. During this project, she oversaw the fieldwork, documentation, and reporting of more than 450 schoolhouses, covering more than 65,000sq miles.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: My all-time favorite book is Bram Stoker’s Dracula and I own more than a dozen antique copies.

Paige Litchfield received her Bachelor of Arts in Historic Preservation and Community Planning from the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. She has spent the last eight years working with non-profit organizations and has experience in historic interpretation, preservation, and research. A recent Rochester, NY transplant and new to ACI, Paige primarily conducts background research on historic resources, completes FMSF forms, and prepares report documentation.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I’ve lived in 6 different states.

Della Fahnestock is a historian, researcher and graphics specialist with over six years of ACI experience. She is responsible for conducting archival research, interpreting 19th and 20th century documents and photo collections, and geolocating relevant data features into modern geographic digital settings. She contributes to the production of Florida Master Site File (FMSF) forms, cultural resource assessment survey (CRAS) reports, technical memoranda and documentation for National Register Sites and employs various software solutions to generate graphics for mitigation reports and provides in-house graphic design support. She also serves as an ACI lead technical professional (LTP) for verification and editorial review.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I worked in east Africa for 12 years.

Olivia Angsten has several years of field experience in archaeology spanning multiple continents and time periods, with two years in Florida. She earned her BA with great honors in Archaeology from Cornell University and her MA in Classical Archaeology from Stanford University. When not in the field conducting Phase I and II surveys, Olivia uses her archaeological background and experience to assist in the QAQC process reviewing reports for professionalism and compliance with federal, state, and local historic preservation laws.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I have excavated at Pompeii, Italy.

Jennifer Marshall has over 15 years of administrative and clerical experience related to the cultural resource management sector. She manages ACI’s day-to-day activities, the clerical staff, and assists the President and Controller at Corporate Headquarters in Sarasota. Mrs. Marshall also handles all report production, client teaming requests for proposals, and is ACI’s in-house IT pro, as well as being a Notary Public in and for the State of Florida.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: Volunteered at the Minnesota Zoo & walked Dingos, interacted with Przewalski’s horses, kid (goats) sat, and wore a tiger costume. Later took classes at Tiger Eye Productions to learn how to work with wolves and big cats.

Thomas Crawford received his B.A. in Economics and Anthropology from the University of Manitoba and his Honors in Business Administration from Western University. His responsibilities include financial reporting, compliance with tax and governmental regulations, project accounting and control, and personnel functions.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME:

Courtney Ferguson received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Shawnee State University in Ohio. She managed a bookstore for more than five years before relocating to Florida. Her responsibilities include making travel arrangements for crew members, data entry, tracking and maintaining project lists and systems, and other general administrative tasks.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I’m an avid reader; I typically read at least one book a week.