Robert H. Tykot

Robert H. Tykot is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of South Florida, where he has served since 1996, achieving full Professor status in 2006. He previously held positions as Associate Professor (2001-2006) and Assistant Professor (1996-2001), and served as Undergraduate Director (2012-14) and Acting Chair (summers 2002, 2003). His academic leadership extends to professional societies where he has served as President of the Archaeological Institute of America (Tampa Bay Society), International Association for Obsidian Studies, and Society for Archaeological Sciences.

Dr. Tykot earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in Anthropology from Harvard University (1995, 1993), an M.A. in Classical Archaeology from Tufts University (1984), and a B.S. in Archaeology (with special honors) and Chemistry (cum laude) from Tufts University (1983). His educational background uniquely bridges scientific methodology with archaeological practice.

His research focuses on archaeological science methodology, particularly stable isotope analysis and elemental archaeology applied to Mediterranean prehistory, ancient diets worldwide, obsidian and marble sourcing, and Sardinian/Sicilian archaeology. Dr. Tykot has pioneered techniques for analyzing bone chemistry to reconstruct ancient diets and mobility patterns, with significant fieldwork conducted across the Mediterranean, particularly in Sardinia, Sicily, and Algeria. His work integrates laboratory science with archaeological fieldwork to address fundamental questions about ancient trade networks, subsistence strategies, and cultural interactions.

Dr. Tykot has received numerous scientific honors including multiple USF Outstanding Research Achievement Awards (2018, 2020), the USF Outstanding Faculty Award (2013), and recognition as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. His editorial leadership includes serving as Editor-in-Chief of Science and Technology of Archaeological Research (STAR) and editorial roles with Archaeometry and Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.

As an advisor, Dr. Tykot has chaired numerous doctoral and master's committees across diverse research topics in archaeological science. His grant portfolio demonstrates exceptional funding success with over 100 external awards totaling millions of dollars from NSF, NEH, Wenner-Gren Foundation, and other major funders. He directs the Lab for Archaeological Science & Technology at USF and has established significant research partnerships with institutions worldwide, particularly in Italy, Argentina, and Kuwait.