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A newly published study led by a 91ֱ����Ƶ undergraduate student is shedding light on the impacts of sea-level rise and erosion on Maine's coastal archaeological sites. 

The research — led by 91ֱ����Ƶsenior and Goldwater Scholar Katelyn DeWater (Marine Sciences, ’25) and — highlights the vulnerability of these cultural landmarks and advocates for proactive preservation efforts.

DeWater’s study is co-authored with 91ֱ����Ƶfaculty members Arthur Anderson, Ph.D., associate teaching professor of archaeology, and Will Kochtitzky, Ph.D., assistant professor of geographic information systems (GIS). Affiliated faculty member Gabriel Hrynick, Ph.D., an associate professor of anthropology at the University of New Brunswick, is also a co-author on the study.

The study used a combination of GIS modeling and fieldwork to evaluate 10 archaeological sites in what is now Downeast Maine. By comparing modeled erosion data with field observations, the team found that several sites, including significant Indigenous shell heaps, face immediate risks that are underestimated by existing models.

The research focused on shell heaps in the homeland of the Passamaquoddy people. These archaeological sites are rich with environmental and cultural information, the authors said, but are particularly vulnerable to climate-driven factors such as sea-level rise and intensifying storm surges. 

The report revealed that six of the 10 sites analyzed are at high risk of erosion and require urgent attention, with field surveys indicating that erosion damage was often more extensive than predicted by the models, underscoring the need for enhanced precision in future analyses. The researchers advocate for integrating high-resolution mapping and site depth data into vulnerability assessments to improve conservation strategies.

DeWater’s journey to publication began with a final project for one of Anderson’s classes. 

Reflecting on the research, Anderson noted, “It’s rare to see undergraduate students conducting work at this level. Katie had an idea she wanted to explore, and Gabe and I were able to contribute data we’d collected from earlier projects. Over the course of a couple of years, we collaborated, refined the methodology, and now it’s published. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our students achieving graduate-level success as undergraduates.”

This project also highlights UNE’s commitment to fostering student/faculty collaboration and advancing environmental and cultural research, Anderson said, further emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of the study. 

DeWater’s academic achievements extend beyond the recent publication. In April, she became one of only seven 91ֱ����Ƶstudents to receive the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship and, this year, was one of three students awarded a scholarship from the Maine GIS User Group.

The research underscores UNE’s commitment to addressing critical environmental and societal challenges while paving the way for students to make meaningful contributions to their fields of study. 91ֱ����Ƶis unique among prominent research universities, where students often have to wait to obtain a bachelor’s degree before engaging in peer-reviewed research. At UNE, 46% of 91ֱ����Ƶundergraduates work with faculty on research projects.

“The opportunity to publish while still an undergraduate at 91ֱ����Ƶis truly a dream come true,” DeWater said. “The experience of taking a project from concept to publication is invaluable, and it will undoubtedly shape my future academic pursuits. I am extremely grateful for the guidance, collaboration, and support from Arthur, Will, and Gabe.”