Rate My Professor Jennifer McKinnon

Jennifer McKinnon is a Professor in the Department of History at East Carolina University, serving as Director of the Program in Maritime Studies. She earned a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Florida, followed by an M.A. and Ph.D. in Anthropology from Florida State University. McKinnon's research focuses on historical and maritime archaeology and cultural heritage management, including Spanish colonial archaeology, the archaeology and history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, conflict archaeology of World War II in the Pacific, landscape and seascape archaeology, in situ conservation and preservation, and community archaeology. Her work emphasizes public and community engagement, heritage tourism, maritime cultural landscapes, and seascapes, particularly WWII sites in the western Pacific and Spanish colonial heritage.

Prior to joining East Carolina University in 2013, McKinnon was a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Archaeology at Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia, from 2004 to 2013, where she initiated research on WWII conflict sites and Indigenous maritime cultural landscapes. Previously, she worked as Senior Underwater Archaeologist with Florida’s Bureau of Archaeological Research, Department of State, contributing to projects like the 1733 Spanish Galleon Trail. She holds positions as Chair of the Advisory Council on Underwater Archaeology and Research Associate with Ships of Exploration and Discovery Research, Inc. McKinnon has co-authored and edited significant publications, such as Underwater Archaeology of a Pacific Battlefield: The WWII Battle of Saipan (Springer Press, 2015, co-edited with T. Carrell), Submerged Battlefield Survey Manual: American Battlefield Protection Program (Ships of Exploration and Discovery Research, Inc., 2020, co-authored with M.J. Roth and T.L. Carrell), and It Rained Fire: Oral Histories from the Battle for Saipan (Lulu Press, 2019, co-authored with S. Soder). Her peer-reviewed articles appear in journals including Journal of Maritime Archaeology, International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, and Journal of Conflict Archaeology, addressing topics like WWII underwater heritage preservation in Saipan, photogrammetry for site monitoring, and veteran engagement in archaeology. She has received grants from NOAA Ocean Exploration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Park Service, and American Battlefield Protection Program for projects on Pacific battlefields and maritime heritage. McKinnon's contributions promote collaborative preservation of submerged cultural sites, involving veterans, local communities, and indigenous groups.