He’s basically the under water Indiana Jones.As an archaeologist with the Warren Lasch Conservation Center, he specializes in artifact documentation, ship construction, and material culture analyses. His current focus is the Hunley, the world’s first successful combat submarine, used during the Civil War. The sub was unearthed from the bottom of Charleston Harbor in 2000.

Prior to his dive into the Hunley’s past, he’s worked with nineteenth century sailing vessels in North Carolina and Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge.

1. What do you love most about what you do?

I think the thing I love the most about what I do is that it provides me the opportunity to combine a lot of different skills I’ve had to learn over the years. Everything from historical research to diving to 3D documentation and model building. My initial love for what I do was simply that it allowed me to experience history in a more physical way, by actually allowing me to view and touch historical objects. I grew up in rural Iowa and spent a lot of time outdoors, so I loved the idea of being able to study history while still being able to get outside.

2. What inspired you and how did you become involved in your current career(s)? 

Like any archaeologist, I loved Indiana Jones. I always joke that there are two types of archaeologist in the world: those who became archaeologists because they watched too much Indiana Jones, and then there are liars. All jokes aside, I grew up with a deep love for history, which I got from my grandfather. I was one of those lucky people that when I first went to undergrad, I decided to study something I loved rather than something I thought would make a good career, so I went with a history major and was able to make it work. I never wanted to be a high school history teacher though (one of the noblest careers, I might add) and quickly learned I needed to figure something else out. I was fortunate enough to have started diving at a fairly young age and fell in love with it. I thought there had to be a way to combine my love of history and love of diving and then fell upon underwater archaeology.  

3. How do you start your day? 

Typically, I wake up early, go to the gym, come home and walk the dog, then kiss my wife before heading to work. 

4. Tell us about your proudest moment or accomplishment.   

Finishing my graduate thesis definitely has to be towards the top of the list because it felt like the hardest thing I had ever accomplished. Being able to present and defend all that hard work and graduate with my Master’s was a very proud moment because I had done something that only a few years prior seemed like a pipe dream.

5.  Do you have a hidden talent? 

Movie quotes and random movie trivia. 

6.  Who or what gives you creative inspiration? 

Definitely my wife Alison. She does historic preservation so we have a mutual passion for history, archaeology, and preserving cultural heritage. Plus, she keeps me honest. Other than that, just knowing that I get the opportunity to work on something so historically significant. 

7.  Coffee fuels our morning events. If you’re a coffee drinker, what’s your go-to order?

Tall and black.

8. What is your favorite place in Charleston? 

It’s a tie between the Battery and Moe’s. I love the Battery because it’s so historical and on the water, which reminds me why I love my job. And Moe’s because I love a good local bar.

9.  How do you unwind or de-stress? 

Either walking the dog with my wife or the pub with close friends. 

Rapid Fire:

Morning person or night owl?

Morning

Summer of winter?

Fall

Mountains or beach?

Mountains actually or out on a boat.

Pancakes or waffles?

Waffles

Fiction or non-fiction?

Fiction