March 20, 2025
To celebrate our 2025 Grant recipients, we contacted our winners to learn about their projects and and share their unique experiences in the world of archaeology. We’re thrilled to announce Bukhchuluun Dashzeveg, the winner of the prestigious Ellen and Charles Steinmetz Grant for 2025!
Ellen and Charles Steinmetz Grant Winner: Bukhchuluun Dashzeveg (Yale University)
With the support of a 2025 AIA grant from the Ellen and Charles Steinmetz Endowment for Archaeology, Dr. Bukhchuluun Dashzeveg’s project, “Tracing the Spread and Adoption of Nomadic Pastoralism on the Mongolian Steppe through Zoonotic Ancient DNA,” will use pathogenic ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis to study the development and spread of pastoralism in ancient Mongolia. Dr. Dashzeveg and his team aspire to push the burgeoning field of pathogenic aDNA forward by sampling aDNA from human remains recovered from Late Bronze Age (c. 1500-1000 BCE) and Xiongnu Period (c. 250 BCE-200 CE) cemeteries in eastern Mongolia to search for and identify remnant aDNA of the Brucella species bacteria. This bacteria passes from livestock (such as sheep, goats, and horses) to humans through direct contact and raw milk consumption and causes the disease brucellosis in humans. In detecting the presence of this disease across ancient populations, Dr. Dashzeveg intends to collect new insights into the transformative process that these communities experienced as pastoralism intensified.
How did you get your start in archaeology?
I discovered archaeology at age 10 when archaeologists visited my family in Bulgan aimag, Mongolia, where I spent summers helping my grandparents who lived as traditional pastoral nomads. Following nomadic custom, we welcomed these visitors with a meal, and during their conversation with my grandfather, one archaeologist revealed that our Ger (mobile tent) was surrounded by ancient burials dating back 3,000-4,000 years. This revelation struck me profoundly – these mounds I had played and jumped on every day held such deep historical significance. That moment sparked my fascination with understanding the past, leading to my decision to become an archaeologist.
Where in the world has archaeology brought you (fieldwork, research, conference travel, etc.)?
My archaeological career has taken me across Mongolia’s diverse landscapes, where I’ve conducted extensive fieldwork studying ancient pastoral communities. Through my doctoral studies at Yale University and conference presentations, I’ve had the opportunity to share my research throughout the United States, including Chicago, Portland, New Orleans, and Washington DC. Most recently, I presented my work at the European Archaeological Association’s 2023 conference in Belfast, allowing me to engage with colleagues from around the world.
What is one of the most memorable things that has happened to you in the field?
One of my most memorable experiences combines archaeological discovery with community connection. During my dissertation research in Altanshire soum, Dornogovi aimag, Mongolia, where we were studying Late Bronze Age monumental burials, local nomadic families would often visit our excavation site, bringing traditional dairy products to share. While these communities had a general sense of their heritage, they were fascinated to learn about the prehistoric peoples who had lived on their lands thousands of years ago. Watching their eyes light up with joy and curiosity as we shared our findings about their ancestors created a beautiful connection between past and present – exactly the kind of bridge that archaeology aims to build.
How has the AIA contributed to your success/professional goals?
The AIA’s Ellen and Charles Steinmetz Endowment will enable me to conduct crucial research on the spread of pastoralism in ancient Mongolia through innovative biomolecular approaches. This support will allow our team to analyze ancient DNA evidence of zoonotic diseases in human remains, providing new insights into how early communities intensified their relationships with livestock.
Learn more about what Fellowship and Grant opportunities are available through the AIA.
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