Diane Zaino Chase
Encyclopedia
Diane Zaino Chase is an American
anthropologist and archaeologist who specializes in the study of the Ancient Maya. She entered her studies at a time when Mayan Archaeology was moving from a past time of the wealthy to a more academic approach. Her husband Dr. Arlen F. Chase
, is also an archaeologist whose work is focused on the ancient Maya
. Their eldest child, Adrian, is pursing a career in Mesoamerican archaeology as well. They have two other children: Aubrey and Elyse Chase. All three children have accompanied their parents to the archaeological site of Caracol
in Belize
, where they have been conducting excavations for over twenty years.
, graduating with a BA in Anthropology in 1975. She completed her PhD. at the University of Pennsylvania in 1982 with a dissertation on "Spatial and Temporal Variability in Postclassica Northern Belize".
Chase taught anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, West Chester University, and at the University of Central Florida where she has taught for over 26 years.
In 2000, she was appointed the Interdisciplinary Coordinator of Academic Affairs.
In 2003, she was awarded the honor of Pegasus Professor.
She has continued to take on administrative positions. She has served as Interim Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Interim Chair for the Department of Theatre in the College of Arts and Humanities, Associate Vice President of Planning and Evaluation for Academic Affairs, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, and the Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
In 2010, Chase was appointed Executive Vice Provost for Academic Affairs of the University of Central Florida.
.
Since 1985, Chase and her husband have been the directors of the Caracol Archaeological Project in Belize. Their fieldwork conducted at Caracol over the past 26 years has resulted in significant contributions to the ongoing research into the Ancient Maya. Dr. Diane Chase has identified and excavated several burials, and is an expert in mortuary analysis. Significant finds at Caracol include the 1986 field season discovery of Altar 21, which recorded the defeat of Tikal by Caracol. The same year Altar 21 was discovered, two intact tombs were uncovered along with an intact tomb of a royal woman that was dated at 634 CE. Another royal tomb was discovered in 1993 that was dated to 537 CE.
In 2008 Chase and her husband, along with biologist John Weishampel, received a grant from NASA to conduct a canopy penetrating radar called LiDAR. LiDAR uses remote sensing to see through the canopy and penetrate the ground to detect the archaeological ruins beneath the canopy.
Chase has authored and co-authored many literary publications on Mesoamerican archaeology. Her knowledge in the field of Mayan archaeology has led to television programs to feature her in documentaries featuring Mayan history and archaeology. Drs. Diane and Arlen Chase's archaeological fieldwork at Caracol included the stabilization of the structure Caana. It is the largest man-made structure in Belize. This led to the Belize government to declare Caracol a National Park, and to pave a road into Caracol to allow for easier access for tourists. The site currently has nearly 20 visitors daily, with increased visitation in the spring.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
anthropologist and archaeologist who specializes in the study of the Ancient Maya. She entered her studies at a time when Mayan Archaeology was moving from a past time of the wealthy to a more academic approach. Her husband Dr. Arlen F. Chase
Arlen F. Chase
Arlen F. Chase is a Mesoamerican archaeologist and Departmental Chair at the University of Central Florida, noted for his work on exploring traces of Mayan civilization using LIDAR.- Biography :...
, is also an archaeologist whose work is focused on the ancient Maya
Maya civilization
The Maya is a Mesoamerican civilization, noted for the only known fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas, as well as for its art, architecture, and mathematical and astronomical systems. Initially established during the Pre-Classic period The Maya is a Mesoamerican...
. Their eldest child, Adrian, is pursing a career in Mesoamerican archaeology as well. They have two other children: Aubrey and Elyse Chase. All three children have accompanied their parents to the archaeological site of Caracol
Caracol
Caracol is the name given to a large ancient Maya archaeological site, located in what is now the Cayo District of Belize. It is situated approximately 40 kilometres south of Xunantunich and the town of San Ignacio Cayo, and 15 kilometers away from the Macal River. It rests on the Vaca Plateau at...
in Belize
Belize
Belize is a constitutional monarchy and the northernmost country in Central America. Belize has a diverse society, comprising many cultures and languages. Even though Kriol and Spanish are spoken among the population, Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official...
, where they have been conducting excavations for over twenty years.
Career
Chase attended the University of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...
, graduating with a BA in Anthropology in 1975. She completed her PhD. at the University of Pennsylvania in 1982 with a dissertation on "Spatial and Temporal Variability in Postclassica Northern Belize".
Chase taught anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, West Chester University, and at the University of Central Florida where she has taught for over 26 years.
In 2000, she was appointed the Interdisciplinary Coordinator of Academic Affairs.
In 2003, she was awarded the honor of Pegasus Professor.
She has continued to take on administrative positions. She has served as Interim Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Interim Chair for the Department of Theatre in the College of Arts and Humanities, Associate Vice President of Planning and Evaluation for Academic Affairs, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, and the Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
In 2010, Chase was appointed Executive Vice Provost for Academic Affairs of the University of Central Florida.
Archaeological career
Chase has been conducting Archaeological excavations since the 1970s, with a focus on the Ancient Maya. From 1979 - 1985 she conducted archaeological excavations, with her husband at (Santa Rita CorozalSanta Rita Corozal
Santa Rita Corozal is a Maya ruin and an archaeological reserve on the outskirts of Corozal, Belize. Historical evidence suggests that it was probably the ancient and important Maya city known as Chetumal.-Early history:...
.
Since 1985, Chase and her husband have been the directors of the Caracol Archaeological Project in Belize. Their fieldwork conducted at Caracol over the past 26 years has resulted in significant contributions to the ongoing research into the Ancient Maya. Dr. Diane Chase has identified and excavated several burials, and is an expert in mortuary analysis. Significant finds at Caracol include the 1986 field season discovery of Altar 21, which recorded the defeat of Tikal by Caracol. The same year Altar 21 was discovered, two intact tombs were uncovered along with an intact tomb of a royal woman that was dated at 634 CE. Another royal tomb was discovered in 1993 that was dated to 537 CE.
In 2008 Chase and her husband, along with biologist John Weishampel, received a grant from NASA to conduct a canopy penetrating radar called LiDAR. LiDAR uses remote sensing to see through the canopy and penetrate the ground to detect the archaeological ruins beneath the canopy.
Chase has authored and co-authored many literary publications on Mesoamerican archaeology. Her knowledge in the field of Mayan archaeology has led to television programs to feature her in documentaries featuring Mayan history and archaeology. Drs. Diane and Arlen Chase's archaeological fieldwork at Caracol included the stabilization of the structure Caana. It is the largest man-made structure in Belize. This led to the Belize government to declare Caracol a National Park, and to pave a road into Caracol to allow for easier access for tourists. The site currently has nearly 20 visitors daily, with increased visitation in the spring.
Honors and awards
- 2009 Elected as Fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science
- 2006 Research Incentive Award
- 2004 Inducted into Phi Kappa Phi honor society
- 2003 Awarded the status of Pegasus Professor, which is given to professors who have demonstrated distinction in research, teaching and service.This is the highest tribute that a faculty member may receive at the University of Central Florida.
- 2001 Research Incentive Award
- 1999-2001 Distinguished Lecturer for Sigma Xi
- 1998 Teaching Incentive Award
- 1998 Web Site Excellent Award- Anthropology: for www.caracol.org
- 1995–present Trevor Colburn Endowment (Co-Beneficiary with A. Chase)
- 1994 Teaching Incentive Award
- 1987 Elected to Quill- the literary society of the University of Central Florida