Gail E. Wagner

Gail E. Wagner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of South Carolina, College of Arts and Sciences. As a paleoethnobotanist and archaeologist, she focuses on human-plant relationships in the southeastern United States, particularly during the Mississippian and early Colonial periods. Her teaching spans undergraduate and graduate courses in evolution, archaeology, food culture, and ethnoecology, and she supervises theses at all academic levels.

• Co-director of the Wateree Archaeological Research Project (WARP)
• Active in ethnobotanical studies of South Carolina and the southeastern U.S.
• Recipient of the 2000 Michael J. Mungo Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Her research integrates paleoethnobotanical analysis of plant remains, landscape management by ancient peoples, and the cultural significance of gardens. She has led educational workshops and contributed to open-source teaching resources, emphasizing inquiry-based pedagogy.

Scientific Awards:

• Michael J. Mungo Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2000)

Gail Wagner’s academic service includes chairing the Courses and Curricula Committee and serving on state boards such as the South Carolina State Board of Review for the National Register of Historic Places.