John Seebach

John Seebach is an Associate Professor of Archaeology in the Department of Anthropology at Colorado Mesa University, where he conducts research on the prehistoric cultures of the American West. His work spans from the Paleoindian period to the Late Formative era, with a strong commitment to public archaeology and the history of Native American boarding schools.

Seebach's research interests focus on human adaptation to arid environments, particularly among prehistoric Native American populations. He investigates the socioeconomic and adaptive patterns of small agricultural communities in western Colorado (ca. 900–1300 AD), drawing comparisons with the Jornada-Mogollon cultures of the Chihuahuan Desert. A significant portion of his recent work centers on the Grand Junction Indian School (Teller Institute), exploring its historical and archaeological significance as part of the broader U.S. Indian boarding school system. His research contributes to public understanding and reconciliation efforts surrounding this difficult chapter in American history.

He teaches a range of courses including North American Archaeology, Paleoindian Archaeology, Southwestern Archaeology, and Archaeological Field Methods. Each semester, he also teaches two foundational Essential Learning courses: ANTH 202 (Introductory Anthropology) and ANTH 220 (Introductory Archaeology), contributing significantly to undergraduate education in the social sciences.

Seebach earned his academic degrees from prominent institutions: a PhD and MA from Southern Methodist University, and a BA from the University of Texas at El Paso. His training provides a strong foundation in both theoretical and field-based archaeology.

While no scientific awards or publications are listed in the current profile, his ongoing engagement with community-based archaeology and historical memory suggests active scholarly and civic contributions. There is no indication of grant funding or student advising in the provided text, though his teaching responsibilities imply mentorship of undergraduate researchers.

He is based in Houston Hall 114C and can be reached at 970.248.1292 or via email at jseebach@coloradomesa.edu.