Sensors for archaeological conservation

Generally, access to monitoring systems on archaeological sites is rare due to budget costs and environmental conditions. In Chavín de Huantar in Peru, in particular, it is difficult to obtain electronic devices, and constant electricity is not reliable. However, monitoring systems of all kinds are needed in various parts of Chavín. Obtaining long-term data could help conservationists learn about the changing conditions of the site and apply the best preservation methods. My team and I build temperature and humidity sensors to monitor and collect data on Chavín de Huántar’s underground galleries’ environments. We work with Engineers for a Sustainable World at Stanford, and with archaeology professor John Rick. I joined this team as a sophomore, and was the project lead my junior year. Check out our poster from the year I project led.