▼ Xuenkal was a settlement of the ancient Maya dating from the Late Preclassic to Terminal Classic periods (~400BC to ~1000AD). This research focuses on a geographic analysis of eleven limestone sinkholes (rejolladas) in the settlement core to determine their significance to local Maya settlements and their utilization by the ancient Maya. In the field season of 2011, data were collected from the site, including GPS and GPR data, soil samples from the excavation of test pits, and archaeological survey data. GIS analysis using Esri's ArcMap software was performed using these data as well as data collected in previous field seasons. Primary analysis involved the use of buffers to categorize ancient structures by distance to rejolladas. In addition, the density of structures by area was calculated and statistically analyzed. These analyses showed a quantitative relationship between the structures and the sinkholes, with a statistically significant preference to settlement in proximity to the sinkholes. Advisors/Committee Members: Munro-Stasiuk, Mandy.

▼ This research looks into the relationship between public schools, hurricanes, and demographic data. Schools are in session for the most intense part of hurricane season and have the potential to greatly influence their students and their community. The demographics of an area can greatly affect school districts. This study examines district responses to a survey on their planning and preparedness and their demographic information to determine if the demographic factors can affect the plans, teaching, or preparedness of a district. A survey was produced to send to both coastal and inland districts from North Carolina to Texas asking about the district’s hurricane plans, history, and preparedness. Returned surveys were analyzed and compared with data from the United States Census Bureau and district websites. There was a high prevalence of well rated plans and busing assistance among the districts. Many districts rated their plans highly, but some areas such as teaching preparedness to students and interaction with the community were lacking for the majority of districts. It was found that past experience did not have an influence on any of the analyzed responses. Six statistically significant relationships were found and analyzed. Advisors/Committee Members: Schmidlin, Thomas.