Human Paleoecology and Archaeometry Laboratory

The Human Paleoecology and Archaeometry Laboratory is located in Edmund J. Cain Hall, Room 204, and is under the direction of Christopher Jazwa, Ph.D. and Christoper Morgan, Ph.D. The lab is equipped to address research related to isotope geochemistry, radiocarbon dating, microscopy, geoarchaeology, soil and sediment analysis, GIS-based spatial analyses and geostatistics, zooarchaeology, flotation, pXRF-based geochemical assessment and obsidian hydration rind measurement.

The lab currently has the capabilities to process organic materials, carbonates and bone collagen to be submitted for stable isotopic testing and radiocarbon dating. Other opportunities are available in collaboration with the Desert Research Institute. Potential collaborators or prospective graduate students interested in related research questions and the methodologies used in this lab are encouraged to contact Jazwa or Morgan.

AMS Radiocarbon Sample Processing Price List  (valid through 12/31/2026)

We can process radiocarbon samples for researchers or cultural resource management companies. Please consult the current price list below for the cost of radiocarbon sample processing.

Sample type

• Carbonate (e.g., shell): $475
• Organics (e.g., charcoal, wood): $450
• Delicate organics (e.g., textile, plant fiber): $500
• Bone for ultrafiltration: $600

For all other samples or questions about which category your sample falls under, email Chris Jazwa at cjazwa@unr.edu. If you are internal to the University of Nevada, Reno, please email Chris Jazwa regarding internal rates.

All samples are cleaned and processed at the University of Nevada, Reno alongside appropriate radiocarbon blanks and known age standards at the Human Paleoecology and Archaeometry Laboratory, where they are reduced to carbon dioxide under vacuum. Carbon dioxide is then sent to the Penn State AMS radiocarbon laboratory for graphitization and final measurement. Prices include all costs to the client. These prices are based on the client paying the University of Nevada, Reno the total cost of processing and measurement and the University of Nevada, Reno will then pay Penn State for measurement. If the client chooses to pay the University of Nevada, Reno for processing and Penn State for measurement separately, the total cost will be the same, but contact Chris Jazwa for the breakdown of charges. At the client's request, we can calibrate radiocarbon dates we provide at no charge.