1. Laura Conger
1967 Grand Ave #203, St. Paul, MN 55105
Cell Phone: (715) 741-1120 I Email: lconger@gmail.com
Education
 2013 – MSc Technology and Analysis of Archaeological Materials, University College
London
 2009 - BA in Anthropology at University of Minnesota, Minneapolis campus
 2005 - BA in Music Theory/Composition at St.Olaf College, Northfield, MN
Administration and management
HRPP Operations Manager – IRB Reliance, Scientific Assessment, and Metrics
2014-present Human Research Protection Program, University of Minnesota
Coordinated and managed HRPP processes for IRB reliance and scientific assessment,
including development/implementation of documentation and education materials for use
by the research community. Provided analysis and distribution of program metrics for
quality improvement and assurance purposes. Assisted with conduct of expedited IRB
review for medical research submissions.
IRB Administrator – Accreditation
2013-2014 Human Research Protection Program, University of Minnesota
Coordinated and managed process and documentation for re-accreditation through the
Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs. Assisted
with a variety of program adjustments and revision of documentation to meet
accreditation standards. Conducted reviews and supervised organization of research
study files for regulatory, institutional and legislative audits.
Medical IRB Correspondence Administrator
2010 – 2012 Human Research Protection Program, University of Minnesota
Served as liaison between the Medical Committee of the Institutional Research Board at
the University of Minnesota and the university research community at all levels. Drafted
correspondence to researchers of decisions made by the Biomedical IRB, facilitated IRB
committee meetings and recorded IRB minutes.
Executive/Administrative Specialist
2008 - 2010 Human Research Protection Program, University of Minnesota
Coordinated and managed communications and administrative tasks regarding
regulatory review of human subject research at University of Minnesota for over 10,000
active studies per year. Also assisted with scheduling and contact for the HRPP
Executive Director.

2. Archaeological Laboratory/Field Experience
Laboratory:
2012-2013 - sample preparation and analysis for MSc degree, University College London
2009 - Laboratory internship/independent research on materials in collection, University of
Minnesota
Duties and Skills:
 Basic collection processing and curation, including:
o processing of environmental samples
o artifact illustration and photography
o artifact database management
o basic museum display layout and presentation of artifacts
 Analysis and interpretation of archaeological materials, including:
o development of analytical methodology for archaeological materials
o polished resin block and thin section preparation and analysis (ceramics, metals, and
glass)
o sample analysis using XRF (standard and portable), SEM (EDS/WDS), and Optical
Microscopy
o basic 3-D computer modeling
o statistical analysis of sample data
o interpretation and presentation of analytical findings for scientific and non-scientific
audiences
Field:
2011-2013 (field seasons) - Excavation in Merv, Turkmenistan with the Ancient Merv Project –
 Senior Project Staff, XRF Specialist, Technology/Industrial Material Specialist for Glass
and Metals, and Field Technician
2010 - Field school in Merv, Turkmenistan with UCLA Archaeology Field Program
2009 - Field school in Wadena, MN with University of Minnesota
Duties and Skills:
 Field survey and surface collection
 unit layout/excavation (single context and section recording methods) and soil profiling
 wet and dry screening; flotation
 identification, sorting, labeling and storage of artifacts
 unit photography and record keeping
Relevant Coursework:
 University College London, UK:
o Technology and Analysis of Archaeological Materials, Core
o Preventive Conservation (completed, but not for mark)
o MSc Technology and Analysis of Archaeological Materials, Dissertation
 University of Minnesota:
o Historic Archaeology
o Archaeology Laboratory Technician, internship

3. Research and Academic Support Experience
Principal Investigator/Archaeological Excavation Supervisor
2013 Ancient Merv Project, University College London, Merv, Turkmenistan
Designed research for, supervised and lead international cooperative excavation team in
conjunction with long-term archaeological project.
Teaching Assistant
2004-2005 St. Olaf College, Dance Department, Northfield, MN
Prepared supporting and teaching materials for professor, facilitated student learning,
and assisted professor with teaching class.
Certifications
 Certified IRB Professional, 2012-present
 Appointed IRB Expedited Reviewer, August 2015-present
 Certified in Radiation Safety and Handling of Radioactive Materials by the All University
Radiation Protection Advisory Committee, University of Minnesota, (2009)
 Training/Certification in First Aid and CPR (certified 1999-2004)
Academic/professional Presentations and affiliations
 PRIM&R Member (2015-present)
 2015 AAHRPP Conference, attendee (June 2015)
 Poster presentation at International Symposium for Archaeometry (May 2014)
 University College London 2013 Archaeology Masters Conference, presenter
“Through the Looking Glass: a study of glass production and technology at Ancient
Merv” (2013)
 University of Minnesota 2010 Annual Undergraduate Anthropology Conference,
presenter
“Lost Spears of the Gurgan: non-destructive techniques in determining artifact origin”
(2010)
 Co-presenter for Archaeology Community Outreach Day in Wadena, MN (2009)
 Society for Archaeological Science (2013-present)
technical proficiencies
 Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and PowerPoint)
 Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop
 Digital and internet-based File Imaging and Database systems (including PeopleSoft and
ImageNow)
 Microsoft, Lotus and Google based email programs
 Photography – digital/black and white (includes developing/printing)