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Facilities

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Spaces, Infrastructure & Equipment

The McMaster Paleoethnobotanical Research Facility (MPERF) is equipped with cutting-edge laboratories designed for macrobotanical and microbotanical analysis.

Our facilities support high-precision research that transforms microscopic plant traces into meaningful insights about past human-plant relationships.
These spaces foster collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge that bridges science and history.

Laboratory Spaces

MPERF operates across two dedicated research spaces, each tailored to support different stages of paleoethnobotanical analysis. These labs are active learning environments where students gain hands-on experience with analytical tools, contribute to ongoing research, and collaborate closely with faculty and visiting scholars.

Kenneth Taylor Hall, Room B122

This lab focuses on microscopy, macrobotanical analysis, and housing our reference collections.

Microscopy & Imaging
Amscope zoom stereo microscopes (5x–50x) and a Zeiss polarized light microscope (100x–1000x) for detailed examination of plant remains.

Macrobotanical Sample Preparation
Brass sieves, analytical balance, and sorting tools for processing larger botanical specimens.

Microbotanical Residue Extraction
Handheld sonicators for isolating microscopic plant traces.

Reference Collections & Documentation
A curated library of micro- and macrobotanical volumes, along with scanning and printing tools for documentation.

General Sciences Building, Room 108

This space is designed for microbotanical processing and advanced analytical work.

Sample Processing & Analysis
Includes an ultrasonic water bath, fume hood, and secure storage for sediments and chemicals.

Advanced Instrumentation
Features a CEM Mars 6 microwave digestion system, Thermolyne muffle furnace, Megafuge centrifuges, and a BWTek NanoRam spectrometer for chemical identification.

Microbotanical Analysis
Zeiss polarized light microscope (100x–1000x) for high-resolution analysis of microremains.

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Affiliated Laboratory in Cuilapan, Oaxaca

MPERF personnel also conduct research at the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) laboratory in ex-convento Cuilapan de Guerrero, Oaxaca.

This facility supports macrobotanical studies and microbotanical extractions, with inquiries directed to Cira Martínez López and Dr. Marcus Winter.