Carney, a paleoethnobotanist, leads the Ecological Archaeology Lab, examining how Indigenous communities of the Pacific Northwest interacted with native flora
Dr. Molly Carney
By Taylor Pedersen, CLA Student Writer - November 6, 2024
Dr. Molly Carney, an assistant professor in the School of Language, Culture, and Society, has committed herself to exploring the intricate relationships between humans and plants throughout history. As the head of the Ecological Archaeology Lab on campus, Carney's work spotlights how ancient communities interacted with their environments, with a particular focus on the camas plant, a vital resource for Indigenous tribes in Oregon and around the Pacific Northwest.
Carney's interest in anthropology and archaeology was sparked at a young age. Encouraged by her parents, she explored books about ancient Egypt and Rome. This early exposure laid the foundation for her double major and eventually for her career. "I just always liked reading about history,” she said. “Trying to understand what life was like in the past, how people were so similar, even though they seemed so different and distant, I think that’s the real draw.
Carney's journey took her from an internship with the Student Conservation Association to working in national forests in Northern California and Oregon. She was eventually drawn to Washington State University to complete her master's and Ph.D. degrees, where she built strong connections with the Kalispel Tribe. These experiences solidified her desire to pursue a career in academia, ultimately leading her to OSU.
The Ecological Archaeology Lab at OSU is buzzing with activity, as Carney and her team undertake various projects. "I’ve been working in the lab trying to finish looking at the plant remains from previous excavations with the Kalispel," she said. These efforts contribute to broader questions about food security and environmental adaptation. The lab is also working on reconstructing climatic histories in the Willamette Valley to understand how people interacted with different plant species over millennia.
A critical component of the lab is preparing students for a career in archeology. Carney is committed to mentoring students and helping them gain practical experience. "I’m trying to make sure our students get the experience they need, get paid for it while they’re still in school, and can become successful archaeologists," she stated. Her goal is to ensure students have the skills and opportunities necessary to excel in their careers.
Outside of her assistant position, Carney's study of Indigenous tribes has provided a deeper understanding of human-plant interactions. Her research focuses on the ways people have cared for landscapes and interacted with plants, particularly the camas plant. Camas, a perennial flowering edible bulb in the agave family, has been a staple in her research.
”We don’t actually know how people domesticated onions or most edible roots, tubers, or bulbs," she explained. “By examining local human-plant relationships, I’m hoping our research contributes to global discussions about food systems and sustainability. We’re trying to understand some of these human-plant relationships for species that just don’t get a lot of love."
Carney envisions her research expanding to cover broader ecological communities and human interactions with various species, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing the field of paleoethnobotany.
"We should be thinking about people-plant, people-fish, or people-animal interactions as well," she asserted "Scholars in archaeology and anthropology need to be working together to break down our disciplinary boundaries."
For students and young professionals interested in paleoethnobotany and archaeology, Carney offers practical advice: "Get outside or get your hands on some type of archaeological materials to make sure it is something that you love." She encourages exploring different capacities within the field to find one's niche.
Carney's work is not just about unearthing the past; it's about understanding the powerful connections between people and their environments, both ancient and modern. Her devotion to teaching, research, and collaboration sets forth a future of new discoveries and a deeper appreciation of our shared history.
In partnership with the Kalispel Tribe, Dr. Molly Carney led a field school in summer 2023 teaching students cultural resource management skills, incorporating Indigenous values and research questions.