Project Team
George Gumerman IV, PhD; Principle Investigator.
Director, University Honors Program and Professor of Anthropology, Northern Arizona University, George Gumerman is the Principal Investigator for the project. Gumerman has a distinguished record of archaeological research and applying this research to broader societal concerns, including developing multimedia interactive lessons and products. As a professor, Gumerman has been instrumental in innovative curriculum development within the department and the broader community. Gumerman has developed strong relationships with a variety of Native Nations, elders, and youth over the last 15 years. As Principal Investigator, Gumerman is responsible for the overall content, design, and evaluation of the project.
Jessica Lum Project Coordinator
Jessica Lum is an applied anthropologist who has worked on and coordinated various community development and education projects. Lum has extensive experience applying qualitative and quantitative research methods to development and education projects. In 2009, Lum was the Project Manager for Engineers Without Borders at Northern Arizona University and led a team of students to implement a humanitarian engineering project in Northern Ghana. In addition, Lum coordinated qualitative and quantitative research efforts to assess the Undergraduate Honors Program at Northern Arizona University. Lum’s leadership, organizational, and logistical skills make her a successful project coordinator. As Project Coordinator, Lum will coordinate the day-to-day project activities.
Judie Piner, Digital Storytelling Facilitator
Piner is a Cultural Applied Anthropologist. She is the administrator of Preservation & Technology for Yavapai-Apache Nation in the Cultural Resource Center. Piner has experience in archival processes, video production, and multimedia technology. She is a trained facilitator in digital storytelling and has personally conducted over thirty digital storytelling workshops. Piner will direct the Digital Storytelling work sessions.
Geraldine Hongeva, Multimedia Specialist
Ms. Hongeva is a member of the Navajo Nation. She has a B.A. in Visual Communications. Geraldine is fluent in Macromedia Flash, Director, Adobe Photoshop, Media 100, Adobe Premier, AfterEffects, Web CT, Final Cut Pro, and Quicktime. She has experience as a team lead in all phases of multimedia technology, from conceptualizing to the actual development of interactive, multimedia products. She will provide technical support on multimedia design and production.
HUMANITIES CONTENT ADVISORS
Karen J. Underhill is the Coordinator for Special Collections and Archives, Northern Arizona University Cline Library. She holds two Master of Arts degrees from the University of Arizona–one in history and one in library science. Underhill has provided service to several humanities organizations, including six active years with the Arizona Humanities Council. She was the Principal Investigator for multiple oral history projects and her groundbreaking archival work with regional Native Nations. She has initiated collaborative research with Native American archives, oral history, and digital applications. Underhill will assist with oral history, archives, digital storytelling training, and development of long-term preservation and access strategies.
Dr. Curtis Hinsley is a Regent’s Professor at Northern Arizona University in the Department of Comparative Cultural Studies (formally the Department of Humanities). Hinsley is a historian who focuses on the history of southwestern Native Americans and archaeology. Hinsley’s research, publications, and courses involve exploring Native American History as well as the history of archaeology. He also has research interests in museums, cultural centers, and exhibits—especially as they relate to Native American representation. Hinsley will advise the project on Native American history and culture.
Davina R. Two Bears is a member of the Navajo Nation. She is Bitter Water Clan, Todich’ii’nii, and born for Red Streak Running into the Water Clan, Tachi’inii. She is originally from Birdsprings, Arizona on the Navajo Reservation. Davina was raised both on and off the Navajo reservation in Northern Arizona. She received her undergraduate education at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire majoring in anthropology. In 2002 Davina graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Master’s degree in socio-cultural anthropology, and in that same year became the fist Navajo Program Manager of the Navajo Nation Archaeology Department - NAU Branch Office, where she worked until 2010. Davina is currently enrolled in the Archaeology of the Social Context Ph.D. Program at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Because of her interest in historic Navajo archaeology and ethnography she will collaborate with the project team in developing and identifying protocols within the Navajo Nation, exploring community interest, and advising on the cultural appropriateness of stories.
Jim Enote is the Executive Director of the A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center in Zuni, NM. The A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center is a private, federally registered not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving the community of Zuni with programs and exhibits that reflect on the past and are relevant to current and future cultural interests. He is a Senior Advisor for Mountain Cultures with the Mountain Institute and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Grand Canyon Trust. He is also a Zuni farmer and artist.
Dr. Kerry Thompson is an archaeologist with a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona’s School of Anthropology. A member of the Navajo Nation, Dr. Thompson’s research interests revolve around indigenous issues in Anthropology and Archaeology. Her dissertation research is an archaeological examination of Navajo cultural constancy in the nineteenth century using a combination of Navajo Blessingway narratives and anthropological theories. Dr. Thompson is also a lithic analyst and has analyzed assemblages in the American Southwest and Peru. Currently, she is researching the intersection of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and issues of American Indian identity. Dr. Thompson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Northern Arizona University where she teaches courses in archaeology and indigenous perspectives in anthropology. She will serve as a humanities content expert and as a liaison with the Navajo Nation for the Intergenerational Native Digital Storytelling Project.
Leigh Kuwanwisiwma, Hopi Cultural Coordinator, will provide overall coordination of the cultural specialists and oversight and supervision of the cultural content of the project. As the Hopi Cultural Preservation Officer for the Hopi Tribe he will coordinate the Cultural Resource Advisory Team and other Cultural Preservation Office staff (Stewart Koyiyumptewa) in the implementation of the project. He will also serve as the liaison with Hopi communities.
