Michael Glascock

Michael Glascock is a Research Professor and Group Leader of the Archaeometry Lab at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR). He holds additional roles as an Adjunct Research Associate and Senior Research Scientist at MURR. His research focuses on archaeological materials analysis, particularly obsidian sourcing and geochemical characterization of archaeological artifacts. Dr. Glascock earned his Ph.D. in 1975 from Iowa State University and has over 35 years of experience in Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) and gamma-ray spectroscopy applied to archaeology, geochemistry, and environmental science.

His current work emphasizes obsidian source characterization in the Western Hemisphere, including studies of prehistoric trade networks in Kamchatka, Georgia, and Patagonia. He also investigates ceramic production techniques and raw material procurement in regions such as Oman, Panama, and Peru. Glascock’s methodologies include NAA, portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF), and isotopic analysis to trace material origins and human mobility patterns.

Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding obsidian circulation in Patagonia, Neolithic procurement strategies in Georgia, and ceramic production in ancient Sardis. His research bridges archaeology, geochemistry, and environmental science to reconstruct ancient human-environment interactions and cultural networks.

Dr. Glascock collaborates on interdisciplinary projects like the Purísima Concepción Archaeological Project in Tierra del Fuego and the Sardis Archaeological Research Project. He maintains an active role in developing archaeometric databases and advancing analytical techniques for cultural heritage materials.