What We Do

About Us

At AMAAZE, we are revolutionizing the study of humanity by uniting mathematical insight and computer science with anthropological insight. Whether studying fossils, lithics, pottery, or other remnants of the past, archaeological analysis is grounded in identifying patterns and frequencies, which is inherently mathematical. Early research was founded on the observation and qualitative description of these patterns. Over the last several decades, the discipline has increasingly sought quantitative data analytical methods. Powerful tools such as 3d modeling, geometric morphometrics, and machine learning allows us to quickly capture and process massive amounts of information that cannot practically be gathered from physical measurements. Together, anthropologists, mathematicians, and computer scientists leverage their expertise to truly optimize these tools, the implications of which are expected to impact the current understanding of early human prehistory, culture, and origins.

AMAAZE consists of two interconnected components: 

1. AMAAZE consortium: A growing community of researchers and labs that share our ethos and mission. Together, we foster collaboration, innovation, and the sharing of resources to advance analytical methods, replicability, and reproducibility in anthropology and archaeology. 

2. AMAAZE-labs: Our dedicated research team, led by Drs. Katrina Yezzi-Woodley, Peter Olver, and Jeff Calder, focuses on groundbreaking projects that exemplify our robust interdisciplinary approach.

Our Focus

The Consortium

The AMAAZE Consortium provides a vibrant, collaborative space for researchers working at the intersection of mathematics, computer science, and anthropology. By bringing together diverse expertise, we optimize resources that would otherwise remain inaccessible, increasing our collective impact. Consortium members are encouraged to embrace principles of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and CARE (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics) data stewardship to ensure shared research benefits for the global community. Members can share links to their data and code through AMAAZE’s platform, enhancing visibility and accessibility.

While AMAAZE began with a focus on archaeology and zooarchaeology—as our name suggests—we have since expanded to include biological anthropology. For example, we have current members working on dental morphology in non-human primates. We also welcome contributions from other subdisciplines within anthropology, such as ancient DNA research and beyond. Anyone whose work aligns with our mission and approach is invited to join our community.

To learn more about how to collaborate with us, visit our FAQ page.

The AMAAZE-labs

AMAAZE-Labs is where cutting-edge research comes to life. Our team is innovating 3D modeling through automated surfacing, advancing archaeological methods to new levels of precision and efficiency. Current projects include the Geometric Analysis for Classification and Reassembly of Broken Bones which uses mathematical techniques based on invariant signatures and moving frames to reassemble broken bones and to extract data that can be processed using machine learning for the purpose of classifying bone fragments according to the agents of breakage. Another project, the Digitization of Manual Methods in Lithic and Zooarchaeological Analysis, is developing semi-automated, digital methods for extracting measurements that are currently taken manually using implements such as a goniometer. Not only does this research have the potential to revolutionize archaeological and zooarchaeological inquiry, these methods can benefit the fields of paleontology, forensics, and medicine.

Data Sharing and Publications

At AMAAZE, we are committed to making data, such as computer code, 3D models, and extracted shape data, openly accessible. Our community actively shares resources on an ongoing basis. While some data must remain restricted due to partner agreements or ethical considerations, we ensure metadata and source information are included wherever possible.

We encourage all consortium members to share their data through platforms that align with FAIR and CARE principles. Whether hosted directly on our site or through external repositories, we are happy to link to and promote these resources to maximize their impact.

Replication and Reproducibility

At AMAAZE, we uphold the principles of replication and reproducibility as fundamental to scientific progress. Following Barba et al. (2018), we define reproducibility as the ability to apply protocols developed by a research team on their — the original team’s — data. Replicability is the ability to apply the original research team’s methods to a unique set of a data and, presumably, achieve the same results. By sharing data, comprehensive metadata, detailed methodologies, and open-source tools, we aim to ensure that our research can be validated and extended by others. Our commitment to transparency fosters trust within the scientific community and promotes the advancement of knowledge.

We encourage consortium members to prioritize replicable workflows and reproducible outcomes in their research. By leveraging FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and CARE (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, Ethics) principles, we aim to support reproducibility while respecting ethical considerations and partner agreements. Whether data and methodologies are hosted on our platform or external repositories, we provide visibility and resources to amplify their accessibility and impact.

Join Us

Members of this consortium create an energetic, positive environment that fosters collaboration and groundbreaking research. Working together through our combined expertise, we optimize resources that we otherwise would not have access to and increase our impact within our respective disciplines. By leveraging domain expertise from mathematics, computer science, and anthropology, we address questions in new ways that have the potential to redefine our understanding of human prehistory, culture, and origins.

If you are interested in joining this consortium or collaborating with us, please contact us at AMAAZE.contact@gmail.com or fill out a membership/partnership form.