PolyChron” FAIR data for post-excavation analysis
Project Overview
This project focused on extending PolyChron, a prototype software designed to help archaeologists process and calibrate their findings. I carried out refactoring and debugging to improve the existing codebase, and my main contribution was integrating additional calibration curves (shcal20 and marine20) so that PolyChron can handle samples from a wider range of excavation sites. This work involved dealing with interlinked Python files, adapting a Tkinter interface, interpolating missing values in teh raw calibration data and ensuring the software could switch flexibly between the different calibration curves. The key finding was that calibration curve choice can significantly affect dating results.
What were the key results of your research project?
The key result of my project was showing that the choice of calibration curve (IntCal20, SHCal20, or Marine20) can significantly alter radiocarbon dating results, sometimes shifting ages by hundreds of years.
By extending PolyChron to support SHCal20 and Marine20 in addition to IntCal20, I made the software more accurate and globally relevant.
GitHub repository of research: https://github.com/bryonymoody/PolyChron
How do you feel you have benefited from completing this internship and has it made you consider future career paths?
On the technical side, I strengthened my Python skills. I learned how to code for Tkinter interfaces, work with complex functions spread across multiple files, and write clearer, well-commented code that others can understand.
My problem-solving skills also improved through debugging and fixing tricky bugs, and I became more confident working independently on research-style tasks. I gained experience in communicating professionally, both through email and in person, which was valuable for collaborating with my supervisors.
Career-wise, this experience has made me more certain that I want to pursue a mathematical career that involves programming and problem solving, for example, actuarial work or a similar role where I can apply these skills in practice.
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