Shaylee Scott

Field Supervisor

Shaylee Scott is originally from Middle Tennessee but has proudly called Kentucky home for nearly a decade. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and History from the University of Louisville in 2023 and went on to complete a Master of Arts in Anthropology through the university’s accelerated BA/MA program.

From the beginning of her academic journey, Shaylee developed a strong interest in geological applications within archaeology, particularly the study of lithics in relation to cultural systems and models. Her master’s thesis focused on a private collection of Clovis projectile points, utilizing reflectance spectroscopy to source raw materials. This research combined her passion for geophysics with her broader interests in modeling migration, mobility, and the lifeways of ancient Indigenous societies across the Americas.

While at the University of Louisville, Shaylee worked as a laboratory assistant at the Center for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, where she curated and analyzed lithic artifacts throughout her time as a student. Beyond the lab, she was frequently in the field, gaining excavation experience across the Southeastern United States and even in Germany. Fieldwork—and the chance to be immersed in nature—is one of Shaylee’s favorite aspects of archaeology.

She is also deeply committed to community-based, participatory research. A key part of her professional philosophy involves building meaningful relationships between scientific research and public engagement, striving to ensure that archaeology remains grounded in shared human experiences and connections to the past.

When not immersed in the world of stone tools and stratigraphy, Shaylee enjoys spending time with friends—whether basking in the rural sun or exploring the city. An avid explorer and naturally active person, she rarely passes up an opportunity for adventure. She is also a devoted cat mom to two beloved cats, who she misses dearly whenever she’s out in the field.