SUSAN M. HECTOR, PH.D., RPA

Principal

shector@asmaffiliates.com

EDUCATION

• 1984 Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Anthropology
• 1978 M.A., University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Anthropology
• 1975 B.A., University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Anthropology

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Dr. Susan Hector has over 30 years of professional archaeology experience in southern California and the Great Basin.  Her projects include prehistoric and historic archaeological and ethnographic studies.

Dr. Hector has extensive knowledge of local, state and federal policy and procedures gained from experience working in cultural resources management for both private and public entities. As Director, Chief of Open Space, and Park Project Manager for the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation, Dr. Hector had primary responsibility for working with outside agencies, nonprofit organizations and citizens on park and open space issues.  A major focus of this work was conservation and preservation of cultural resources.

At ASM, Dr. Hector works with utilities and public agencies to identify cultural resources, including traditional cultural properties, and develop plans and methodologies for avoiding adverse effects.  For the past few years, she has been involved at the federal, state, and local level in fuel reduction projects in the mountains of San Diego County.  These projects have included consultation with Native Americans, inventory, impact/effect avoidance measures, and monitoring removal of dead, dying, and diseased trees. 

Her current research interest involves conducting museum, archival, and ethnographic studies to identify traditional cultural practices that leave little if any evidence in the archaeological record.  Examples include rattles used in traditional songs and textiles such as baskets and mats.