Christopher Pool Research Faculty Mentor of the Month
July Research Faculty Mentor of the Month
Dr. Christopher A. Pool is a professor in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Anthropology. He completed his PhD in 1990 at Tulane University. He currently mentors five undergraduate and five graduate students at the University of Kentucky.
His research focuses on the evolution of complex societies in the tropical lowlands of southern Veracruz, Mexico. Involved in the research currently include one UK undergraduate, one Murray State undergrad, and one undergrad from the Universidad Veracruzana. Dr. Pool describes the best part of being a mentor, “Helping students realize their own potential - intellectually, practically, and personally.”
“Dr. Pool not only made this research experience possible, he allowed me to survive and thrive through the immense personal and professional growth that it brought,” stated by one of Dr. Pool’s mentees. “Without his presence and mentorship, it is unlikely that I would have come away from such an experience with a positive conception of archaeological fieldwork, let alone with the desire to return to the same project in the following summer, as I plan to do this year.”
Like the undergraduate researchers in his lab, Dr. Pool also participated in research as a student. “I had the opportunity to excavate a 5000-year old Archaic period shell midden in Texas with my professor, Frank Hole. As I troweled through layers of clam and oyster shell, I was able to apply the knowledge I had gained in my geology classes across disciplines and contribute substantially to the research,” said Dr. Pool. “Dr. Hole graciously acknowledged that contribution in his field report, not only teaching me archaeological skills, but modeling for me how to be a good mentor -- something I continue to try to pay forward.”
“Above all, a sincere interest in the field and an inquisitive engagement with the work, whether or not they intend to pursue archaeology as a career,” shared Dr. Pool on what exactly he is looking for in undergraduate researchers to join his lab. “It's important for mentees to be dependable participants in their research tasks, but also insist on understanding why we are researching this topic in this way, especially when that understanding comes from challenging my explanations.”
Dr. Pool’s advice for students who are considering undergraduate research is to “Be bold! If a professor offers an opportunity to participate in research that interests you, take it! If there is a topic that excites you or a professor whose work fascinates you, go to that professor and ask how you can assist in the research.”
Thank you Dr. Pool for your continued support of undergraduate research at the University of Kentucky. We are pleased to recognize your commitment and dedication as the Research Faculty Mentor of the Month.
Learn more about Dr. Pool: https://anthropology.as.uky.edu/users/capool0