Dr. Stephen A. Brighton is an associate professor of archaeology and anthropology at the University of Maryland. He is also a historical archaeologists specializing in the historical and material world of the Irish Diaspora, both abroad and in Ireland, from the 17th and 20th century. Dr. Brighton’s research program consists of historical archaeological field schools in the United States and Ireland focusing on the impact of capitalism, colonialism, and immigration in the formation and transformation of social identities over time and space. Currently, Dr. Brighton has focused his attention on the impact of Great Hunger and the idea of cultural resiliency in its aftermath and the creation of modern Ireland.