Sean Gleason

Sean Gleason serves as the Elliott Associate Professor of Rhetoric at Hampden-Sydney College, where he bridges communication studies with archaeological fieldwork through innovative applications of remote sensing and digital mapping technologies. His academic profile reflects deep engagement with Indigenous communities in Southwest Alaska, particularly the Yup'ik people of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.

Education:

• Ph.D., Ohio University, 2017
• M.A., Ohio University, 2014
• M.A., Ohio University, 2013
• B.A., Ohio University, 2011

Research Focus: Dr. Gleason pioneers community-based remote sensing methodologies that merge ethnographic fieldwork with UAV technology to document cultural erosion threats. His work centers on Yuuyaraq (Yup'ik traditional knowledge systems), developing collaborative frameworks where Indigenous communities lead heritage preservation efforts. This approach manifests in projects like erosion monitoring of Native allotments and digital reconstruction of pre-contact sites such as Nunalleq.

Publication Trends: Gleason's scholarly output (2015-2023) reveals a progressive integration of rhetorical theory with environmental archaeology. Early works examined Appalachian material ecologies and cyborg embodiment, while recent publications focus on UAV-based heritage management and Indigenous knowledge systems. His research consistently addresses climate change impacts on cultural landscapes through co-created technological solutions.

Scientific Recognition:

• Multiple Summer Research Grants from Hampden-Sydney College (2018-2020)
• Quinhagak Heritage Incorporated Grant (2020) for community-based remote sensing
• Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges Mednick Fellowship (2019)
• National Communication Association top paper awards (2016)
• Ohio University graduate research awards (2013-2016)

Research Leadership: As principal investigator for the Nunalleq project, Gleason secures external funding to support undergraduate fieldwork in Alaska while developing community-owned digital archives. His grants specifically fund ethnographic surveys and erosion mapping conducted jointly with Qanirtuuq Inc. and local Yup'ik elders, creating pathways for student involvement in decolonizing archaeological practice.

Collaborative Infrastructure: The Nunalleq project operates through a tripartite partnership between Hampden-Sydney College, Qanirtuuq Inc. (Alaska Native village corporation), and Oxford University. This framework produces open-access educational resources like the Nunalleq Educational Resource Pack and maintains active digital outreach through The Nunalleq Dig Blog, demonstrating commitment to knowledge reciprocity with Indigenous communities.