Douglas W. Gann

Doug has more than 25 years of experience in archaeological fieldwork, research, and public interpretation. His Master’s thesis focused on the use of form-molded adobe brick architecture by ancestral Hopi prior to its re-introduction by the Spaniards. His doctoral dissertation explored the implications of space syntax theory in the archaeological analysis of social uses of space. As a graduate student, Doug pursued fieldwork at numerous sites in the Southwest, as well as Ecuador, Armenia, and the eastern seaboard of the United States. More recently, Doug has been working to preserve and interpret the site of Casa Malpais National Historic Landmark.

As the Center’s chief Digital Media Specialist, Doug develops applications from a diverse set of new media tools for interactive exhibit design and archaeological interpretation. He has created numerous interactive museum exhibits and three-dimensional computer models, including the interactive exhibit Rio Nuevo, Rio Viejo: 10,000 Years of Tucson History, which is on display at the Arizona Historical Society. This exhibits highlight Doug’s research on three-dimensional reconstructions of the San Agustín mission and the Tucson Presidio. Doug’s digital reconstructions form the basis for interpretation of many elements of the Tucson Origins Heritage Park, which was expected to be completed in 2009—and might yet be constructed. In partnership with the Arizona State Museum, Doug is hard at work on The Virtual Vault, a breakthrough interpretive and interactive module that will showcase pots from the museum’s treasured whole vessel collection.

Doug also assists with website planning and design for the Center; edits Southwest Archaeology Today, the Center’s electronic archaeological news service; and serves as host and moderator of Archaeology Café, the Center’s monthly community discussion forum.

Contact Doug by email or by telephone at (520) 882-6946.