Tristram R. Kidder

Archaeologist and environmental scientist Tristram R. Kidder is the Edward S. and Tedi Macias Professor, as well as a professor of anthropology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis.

Kidder’s research applies archaeology and geology to the study of how human populations have adapted to climate and environmental change. His work emphasizes understanding how human societies have shaped and been shaped by environmental and climatic changes. His analyses synthesize climatic, ecological, technological and cultural variables, as well as historical practices and preferences, to develop insights into human-environmental interactions across space and time.

His field research includes ongoing studies of the ancient dynamics of human settlements along the Mississippi River in the Southeastern United States, including the emergence of social ranking and development of domesticated food crops. Kidder works at several Middle to Late Archaic mound sites in the Lower Mississippi Valley, including the well-known Poverty Point site in northeast Louisiana.

He also is the co-director of several ongoing field research projects in Central Asia and China, including along the Silk Road and in the Yellow River basin.

In addition to his many publications, research and teaching, Kidder has served on the editorial board of Geoarchaeology: An International Journal since 2018. Before coming to Washington University, he was on the faculty at Tulane University.