Dr. Alan Kaiser

In this episode of The Future of UE Archives Oral History Collection, hosts Alexandra Hicks and Mars Plummer sit down with Dr. Alan Kaiser to uncover the remarkable story of Mary Ross Ellingson, an early 20th-century archaeologist whose master’s thesis and dissertation were plagiarized by her mentor, David Robinson. Dr. Kaiser recounts how he stumbled upon Ellingson’s forgotten photo albums, letters, and manuscripts in university archives, leading him to expose this long-hidden academic theft. The conversation explores Ellingson’s groundbreaking work, the impact of her stolen research, and how Kaiser’s book ultimately helped restore her legacy, just as the MeToo movement gained momentum. They also reflect on Ellingson’s strength, her understated but lasting influence, and the lessons for young archaeologists today.