Peter Nelson

Peter Nelson is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management and Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. He specializes in Indigenous archaeology, Indigenous environmental studies, and Native American Studies, collaborating with tribal nations to address cultural heritage preservation, climate change, and Indigenous land management. His work integrates geophysical surveys (e.g., Ground Penetrating Radar, LiDAR), paleoethnobotany, and ethnographic methods.

Education: PhD in Anthropology (UC Berkeley, 2017), MA in Anthropology (UC Berkeley, 2010), BA in Anthropology and English (University of Washington, 2007).

Research focuses on reconstructing precontact environments and Indigenous land management practices, including prescribed burning by Coast Miwok peoples. Ongoing projects include collaborations with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria at Tolay Lake Regional Park and the Pala Band of Mission Indians in San Diego County. Supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, Ford Foundation, and others.

He leads the Nelson Group, which emphasizes community-based participatory research and land stewardship collaborations in Sonoma and Marin Counties. The group includes researchers like Michelle Katuna (fire and land management) and Royale Williams (Indigenous fisheries and governance).