An archaeological “genius”

Kristina Guild Douglass’s innovative archaeological work was recognized in October by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. A member of the Class of 2002, Douglass was chosen as one of 22 artists, scientists, and authors to receive a 2025 MacArthur Fellowship, often called the “genius award.” 

Douglass leads the Morombe Archaeological Project in southwest Madagascar, a biodiversity hot spot. Her work investigates how past societies and environments co-evolved and adapted to climate change pressures. In a 2019 interview with Andover magazine, she explained that her experience living in Madagascar as a child—and especially a middle school field trip through tropical areas—inspired her research. 

“Some may think that people arrived in a place and then immediately caused environmental degradation. This suggests the best way to save the environment is to keep people out,” Douglass said. “But people being in a place doesn’t necessarily mean they will use all of the resources.”

Currently an associate professor at Columbia University’s Climate School, Douglass and her research team are considered a leading model of community-engaged archaeology, often collaborating with local residents. 

Read more about Douglass’s work here.

Photos Courtesy John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation