Shae R. Pfenning

Shae R. Pfenning earned a degree in anthropology with a specialization in archaeology, focusing on Tribal and Indigenous Peoples Studies and Historical Archaeology, from North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo. During her time at NDSU, she presented her semester-long research three times at the university's research fair, covering topics such as "Everyday Experiences of Prohibition in North Dakota (2022)," "Oral Histories of Bonanza and Tenant Farming in Cass County in the 19th and 20th Centuries (2023)," and "Double Ditch (2024)." In the summer of 2023, Pfenning completed her archaeology field school at the 4e Farmstead in Casselton, North Dakota — a historical bonanza farm where she gained valuable experience in cultural resource field and lab methodologies.

In the summer of 2024, Pfenning joined Augustana’s Archaeology Laboratory as a staff archaeologist where she has helped perform cultural resource management work in South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa. Since her time at the lab, she has gained experience in completing field surveys, archaeological site evaluation and documentation, and report writing. Pfenning has also completed a Section 106 Essentials classroom course through the ACHP. With skills gained in GIS, including both 2D and 3D map making, Pfenning integrates spatial analysis into archaeological projects.