Chair: Dr. Karim Alizadeh

James earned his BA in History with a minor in Archaeology from Colorado Mesa University in 2015, and his Master’s in Archaeology and History from Regis University in 2020. During this time, he was teaching abroad in Japan, which led to the development of a number of research projects that are currently in development. His current research focuses on three main aspects: First is the development of ceramic traditions from the Jomon through the Kofun periods; second, cranial metric analysis of Japanese skeletal morphology between the Jomon and Yayoi periods; and third, the development of monumental burial structures associated with the previous two research points and their development on specific landscapes in the peripheral areas of Japan.

Presentations

“Continental Connections: The biological connection between Korea and Japan during the Yayoi period.” Society for American Archaeology (Spring 2025)
“Continental Connections: The biological connection between Korea and Japan during the Yayoi period.” Western Conference of the Association of Asian Studies (Fall 2024)
“Continental Connections: The development of the Yayoi people.” Society for American Archaeology (Spring 2024)
“Continental Connections: The Development of Yamato Culture.” Midwest Conference Asian Affairs (Fall 2023)
Makimuku: The First Capital of the Kingdom of Wa Birthplace of the Yamato Culture.” Society of East Asian Archaeology (Summer 2022)

Conference Organization

Society of East Asian Archaeology and Colorado Mesa University Undergraduate and Graduate research workshop (May 23, 2026)