Professor Dr. Philip Laporta

Biography

Philip C. LaPorta is an Adjunct Senior Research Scientist at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, where he focuses on geochemistry and geo-archaeology. His research integrates geological sciences with the investigation of prehistoric quarries and ancient mines. In 1989, he published a foundational manuscript examining the stratigraphic relations of prehistoric chert quarries in the northeastern United States. His commitment to advancing understanding in this niche area led him to establish the Prehistoric Quarries Early Mines Interest Group in 2006. His extensive dissertation work, completed in 2009, details a complete stratigraphic section of Cambrian-Ordovician chert-bearing carbonates in the Kittatinny Supergroup, providing critical insights for archaeological investigations. LaPorta's expertise has extended internationally, exploring ancient quarry sites in regions such as India, Israel, and Egypt. As the director of the Center for Investigation of Native Ancient Quarries, he promotes education regarding Indigenous peoples and their resource management practices. Over his career, LaPorta has also contributed significantly to the education of students in geological and archaeological disciplines, fostering the next generation of scholars. Additionally, he has held positions as the founder of LaPorta Associates and LaPorta Geological Consultants, contributing valuable insights to geological consulting and education.

Research Interests

Awards