Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
a couple of chimpanzee skulls with me to his office where he and I worked to find appro-
priate imaging angles so that I could ensure the best possible images of the teeth in the spec-
imens I would be encountering “in the field.”
Further, I also had to be certified by my home institution's office of radiation safety. They
approvedmy use of the device and set me upwith both a badge and ring dosimeter tomeasure
my exposure to radiation during the study. This is a very important step, as many states have
strict regulations regarding the operation of radiation-producing equipment. Although the
radiation safety department was helpful with the regulations inmy home state, I spent several
hours on the phone and in e-mail contact with the state health departments in other states
where I would be conducting research. It so happened that three of them had different regu-
lations. Make sure that any similar logistics for your own projects are all sorted out well in
advance to avoid problems while in the field. Especially in the busy summer months, many
institutions topic access to their collections on an extremely tight schedule. It is unlikely
that you will have extra time for addressing any major issues once you arrive.
Now that arrangements for the equipment and collections to be used were established, I
sent revised research requests to the four institutions I planned to visit. In these requests I
explained in detail the protocol for my study including the use of the X-ray. This was an
important consideration as it required that I have a room all to myself for the duration of
my visit, with an outside wall at which I could aim the X-ray beam. All of the institutions
had their own X-ray system available for use to other researchers, so I also had to explain
why my handheld X-ray source was a better fit for my project than their stationary sources
(which do not work well for bite-wing imaging). In the end, I was able to secure access to all
collections that I had set out to include in my research. With their approval letters in hand, I
was ready to apply for the funding necessary to cover expenses.
It is important to mention is that none of the steps proceeded in exactly the order outlined
above. Indeed, it was much more complicated. Basically, the proposal had to come together
before I could submit it to my committee, but then modifications were necessary once I real-
ized that the samples did not exist. Whenever possible, I arranged to visit a museum to assess
sample sizes. This was of course paid for out of my own pocket because I had not yet secured
funding, and funding agencies love to know your sample sizes before they will give you any
money! (Even though many museums have online databases of their collections, there is still
no substitute for going in and checking them out in advance personally if at all possible.) This
was also happening while I was contacting vendors regarding X-ray equipment rentals.
The closest thing I can liken this to is kitchen remodeling. All of the steps have to happen at
a certain time and yet all at the same time (the sink cannot be installed until the countertops
are in, but first the plumber has to come, then what about the electrician for the garbage
disposal?). You cannot apply for funding until you have the project proposal in place, but
receiving permission to work on a collection possibly years in advance seems strange. It is
a juggling act extraordinaire to say the least, and certainly the first time around. The satisfac-
tion of finally receiving funding for the project and the excitement of working with the collec-
tions of a world-famous museum for the first time are really life-changing experiences. Focus
and perseverance will serve you well in the preparation and execution of a research project.
Be prepared for the unexpected, because it is likely that something will go wrong. Be
prepared for it all to take twice as long as you think it will, just in case it does. Finally, be
prepared to be excited
d
you are finally a working anthropologist, congratulations!
