Thomas R. Fenn

Thomas R. Fenn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Oklahoma, specializing in archaeological sciences with a focus on ancient pyrotechnologies and trade networks across multiple continents. His research spans Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, East Asia, and the American Southwest, examining metallurgical practices, glass production, and cremation rituals through advanced analytical techniques.

• Ph.D. from the University of Arizona (2011)
• NSF-funded research on Indian glass production
• Active projects in Tunisia, Mongolia, Thailand, and Mexico

Key research areas include:

• Provenance analysis using isotopic methods
• Archaeometallurgy and material exchange
• 3D photogrammetry for artifact documentation
• Mortuary practices in Neo-Punic Tunisia
• Prehistoric cremation pyrotechnology

His recent publications (2022-2024) analyze:

• Ancient Indian glass production centers
• Tunisian tophet burials
• North Mexican cremation practices
• Thai bead exchange systems
• Alaskan pre-contact glass beads

Teaching experience covers world archaeology, ancient civilizations, and specialized archaeological sciences courses. He actively involves students in field and laboratory research while employing cutting-edge analytical methods like LA-ICP-MS and SEM.