About CAI

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Last Updated: Sep 26, 2025, 03:48 PM

The Center for Archaeological Investigations (CAI) is the premiere archaeological research center in southern Illinois. Our research staff are focused on developing research projects that provide students with experiential learning opportunities to help prepare them for careers in archaeology and related fields. Since 1978, the CAI's research agenda has been recognized internationally for the contributions that our staff have made within the field of archaeology.

The CAI is committed to protecting and understanding the cultural patrimony of the Americas and to facilitating national and international archaeological research. To fulfill these goals, we have a C.O.R.E. Mission, which includes Curation, Outreach, Research, and Education.

  • Curation activities, which include the care and use of archaeological collections for research, student training, and public education.
  • Outreach, actively engaged with the local and regional community of amateur and professional archaeologists, students and educators alike.
  • Research, funded by grant and contract agencies.
  • Education, applied Training for students in field and laboratory methods, CRM legislation, curation, and more.

Mission Statement

The CAI's C.O.R.E. mission invovles Curation, Outreach, Research, and Education with a focus on the archaeology of the Midwestern United States. This mission is carried out through grant-funded projects, which allow us to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities to prepare them for post-graduate careers as professional archaeologists with private, state, and federal agencies. The CAI also offers applied training in collections management and curation through our world-class curation facility, where we house archaeological collections for government agencies, Native American groups, and private entities. Our education and outreach efforts are bolstered by our sponsorship of public events, leadership in professional and amateur groups, and collaboration with academic units across campus.

Internship Opportunities

Applied Archaeology and Internship Opportunities

The Center for Archaeological Investigations (CAI) works closely with federal (USDA Forest Service), state, and local partners on a wide range of Cultural Resource Management (CRM) and applied archaeology projects across southern Illinois and adjacent states. These projects provide undergraduate and graduate students with practical, hands-on experience in archaeological survey and excavation, historical research, artifact analysis, data processing, and curation.

Curation Internships

During internship courses, CAI faculty and researchers collaborate with students on a variety of hands-on learning opportunities.
Curation internships include:

  • Processing archaeological samples from the field
  • Cataloging and labeling artifacts in the lab
  • Conducting archival research
  • Preparing materials for short-term storage, long-term curation, and repatriation

Fieldwork Internships

Field internships provide training in:

  • Archaeological survey and excavation methods
  • Geophysical equipment (Ground Penetrating Radar, magnetometer, and advanced GPS)
  • Navigational tools and spatial data collection
  • Regional landscapes, land use patterns, and resource distribution
  • Soil identification, stratigraphy, and site formation processes
  • Equipment care and maintenance

Our Mission

Our goal in conducting these internships and field studies is to provide our partners with accurate, high-quality information that enables better management of archaeological resources on federal and state lands. Internships with the CAI offer course credit and experiential learning opportunities that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice.

CAI interns have gone on to work across the country and around the world in archaeology, heritage management, and related fields.

Services

The CAI offers a full range of archaeological services that blend research, compliance, and education - from surveys and excavations to geophysical studies, curation, and outreach. Our team meets federal professional standards and works closely with partners to preserve and interpret the past.

For more information about these services, please contact The CAI Director at CAI.Director@siu.edu.

Phase I: Archaeological Survey

The CAI conducts Phase I surveys to identify and document archaeological sites within project areas. Using systematic pedestrian survey, shovel testing, and modern GPS/GIS mapping, we provide:

  • Site location and boundary documentation
  • Preliminary assessments of site significance
  • Recommendations for compliance with federal and state regulations

All surveys follow Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and Illinois SHPO guidelines, ensuring projects meet all cultural resource requirements.

Phase II: Site Evaluation

When archaeological sites are identified during Phase I, Phase II investigations evaluate their significance and eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Our Phase II services include:

  • Controlled test excavations
  • Detailed mapping and artifact analysis
  • Evaluation of site integrity and research potential

These evaluations provide clients with the information needed for informed project planning and compliance decisions.

Phase III: Data Recovery

If a site cannot be avoided, The CAI conducts Phase III data recovery excavations to mitigate adverse effects. Our experienced staff oversee:

  • Research design development and agency consultation
  • Large-scale excavations and documentation
  • Artifact recovery, analysis, and curation
  • Comprehensive final reporting

We work closely with agencies and consulting parties to ensure data recovery meets all legal and ethical standards.

Geophysical Survey

The CAI offers non-invasive geophysical investigations to identify subsurface archaeological features without excavation. Our equipment includes:

  • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for identifying buried features and structures
  • Magnetometer for detecting hearths, pits, and other magnetic anomalies

These methods are especially effective in cemetery research, historic site mapping, and feature detection prior to excavation.

Archaeological Monitoring

The CAI provides on-site monitoring during ground disturbance to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. Our monitors:

  • Identify and document cultural materials uncovered during construction
  • Coordinate with agencies and contractors to avoid or minimize impacts
  • Prepare detailed monitoring reports and recommendations

Monitoring is available for linear projects, infrastructure improvements, and sensitive areas.

Archaeological Curation

With a regional repository, the CAI provides long-term care and management of archaeological collections and  records. Our curation services include:

  • Artifact processing, labeling, and cataloging
  • Archival organization and digital data management
  • Preparation of collections for permanent storage
  • Support for NAGPRA compliance and repatriation efforts

We curate materials from both CAI-led and externally funded projects, following federal 36 CFR Part 79 curation standards.

Public Outreach and Education

The CAI is committed to making archaeology accessible to the public through:

  • Community events
  • Educational programs
  • Interpretive signage and exhibits

Our outreach initiatives connect people with the past and promote stewardship of cultural heritage.