Jay’s role as a principal investigator involves directing archival research, field assessment and excavation, data analyses, and report preparation for archaeological investigations.

He has particular expertise in historical cemeteries and the history and archaeology of Narragansett Indian Country. Since joining PAL in 1995, he has conducted all phases of archaeological investigations in New England, with a particular focus in Rhode Island.

Jay is a frequent speaker about pre-contact Native American archaeology for public groups and serves on the Board of Directors for the Pettaquamscutt Historical Society in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Jay has a BA in Anthropology from the University of Rhode Island and an MA in Anthropology with a specialization in Northeastern Native American archaeology from the University of Connecticut. He is a Registered Professional Archaeologist, is trained and certified in OSHA 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standards, and holds scuba diver certifications. He is a member of the Conference on New England Archaeology, Eastern States Archaeological Federation, Northeastern Anthropological Association (NEAA), the Society for American Archaeology, and the Society for Historical Archaeology.