In December, Metcalf had the pleasure of welcoming Daniel Salas back to the Metcalf team as a project director! Based out of Minnesota, Daniel has experience in several midwest states. We asked Daniel to tell us a little about himself so we can learn more about our newest project director!
Like a lot of archaeologists my age, Indiana Jones was what sparked my interest in archaeology. During high school, I took an Ancient Civilizations class with ateacher who was so passionate about Mesopotamia and the ancient world. It made me excited about archaeology and history. This inspired me to find a college that had an Anthropology/Archaeology program. I settled on Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) and earned my BA in Anthropology, emphasis in Archaeology in 2009. While attending MSUM, I took two field schools: one was a Geophysics field school taught by Dr. Rinita Dalan. There I learned to use a magnetometer and a resistivity meter at the Biesterfeldt Site (32RM1), which is located along the Sheyenne River in eastern North Dakota. I also took a traditional field school under Dr. Michael Michlovic and Dr. George Holley at the Biesterfeldt site, using the data from Dr. Dalan to place the excavation units on potential features.
In 2012, I earned an MS in Applied Anthology from Missouri State University (MSU) in Springfield, Missouri. For my thesis, I conducted a ground penetrating radar survey at two cemeteries within the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead located near Ash Grove, Missouri. After getting my master’s degree, I got a job with KLJ and moved to Bismarck, ND in 2013. In 2014, Metcalf hired me as a crew chief and was later promoted to a Project Director. I worked at Metcalf until early 2016, when a couple colleagues and I started a CRM firm based out of Eden Prairie, MN. However, in fall of 2021, I decided to step away from the pressures of ownership and to seek other opportunities. Damita Engel quickly found out I was available, and I jumped at the opportunity to work for Metcalf again.
When I’m not working, I enjoy barbecuing, particularly learning how to smoke beef brisket and pork shoulder. I also enjoy hikes and camping with my lovely wife. We travel frequently and have been to Canada, Belgum, France, and Germany, plus a road trip across through some Great Plains states.
