Staff
Christian New
Executive Director
Christian New is an anthropologist from Houston, Texas. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Spanish and a master’s degree in Cognitive Anthropology from the University of Houston. As Executive Director, Christian oversees site operations, long-term planning, research coordination, and public engagement, working to strengthen the Mitchell Site’s role as a center for Indigenous heritage, education, and archaeological research. His work focuses on accessibility, community partnerships, and expanding the Site’s educational and interpretive impact. Outside of his professional work, Christian enjoys being outdoors, cooking, playing guitar, and spending time with family and friends.
Danica Miller
Assistant Director
Danica Miller is a proud member of the Hunkpati Dakota Tribe in South Dakota. She earned her business degree in 2025 and is continuing her studies in Sociology with a minor in Oceti Sakowiŋ Language at South Dakota State University. Danica has served as Miss South Dakota SLICC Ambassador and has developed programming focused on supporting Indigenous youth within the legal system. Her work at the Mitchell Site centers on youth engagement, cultural programming, and community outreach. Outside of her professional work, Danica enjoys spending time with her children and modeling for Indigenous designers across Turtle Island.
Sabrina Strand
Museum Manager
Sabrina Strand is a recent graduate of Mount Vernon High School and is currently attending Black Hills State University, where she is studying History and Business Management. As Museum Manager, Sabrina supports daily museum operations and visitor services, helping ensure a welcoming and well-organized experience for guests. She brings a strong interest in both historical interpretation and organizational management to her work at the Mitchell Site. Outside of her professional role, Sabrina enjoys playing piano, reading, volunteering in the community, and spending time with her family.
Jana Bell
Tour Guide
Jana Bell is originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland. She has lived and traveled extensively before relocating to Mitchell with her husband, Rick, in 2021. Since joining the Mitchell Site, Jana has enjoyed sharing the history and significance of the Site with visitors through guided tours and interpretation. Outside of her work, she enjoys spending time with family, playing board games, and gardening.
Dr. Adrien Hannus
Head Archaeologist
Dr. Adrien Hannus is the former director of the Archaeology Department at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He has served as the Mitchell Site’s archaeologist since 1983, providing long-term research leadership and continuity in excavation, analysis, and interpretation. In addition to his work at the Mitchell Site, his research interests include the Paleo-Indian period in North America and Clovis culture. Dr. Hannus has played a key role in advancing the Site’s archaeological research, documentation, and public interpretation over several decades.
Greg Haggerty
Archaeologist
Greg Haggerty is a Registered Professional Archaeologist who works closely with Dr. Adrien Hannus on museum displays and the preservation of the artifact collections at the Mitchell Site. His work supports both collections care and public interpretation. Greg’s research interests include lithic technology, and he is an experienced flint knapper who demonstrates traditional stone tool production for visitors during Archaeology Awareness Days.
Dr. Alan Outram
Archaeologist
Dr. Alan Outram is a professor of Archaeology at the University of Exeter in Exeter, England. He is a specialist in large mammal zooarchaeology and is internationally recognized for his research on the history of horse domestication. Dr. Outram’s expertise contributes to the broader comparative and scientific understanding of faunal remains and subsistence practices relevant to the Mitchell Site.
Brylee Grof
Intern
Brylee Grof is a history major at Dakota Wesleyan University from Elkhorn, Nebraska, with a strong interest in museums and collections work. Growing up around her father’s work as a curator, she developed a passion for preserving and interpreting the past, and enjoys helping care for both personal and institutional collections. In her free time, Brylee enjoys baking, drawing, theatre, visiting historic sites, and reading.
Jakobi Brink
Intern
Jakobi Brink is a senior at Mitchell High School who plans to attend South Dakota State University to major in Wildlife and Fisheries. He has a strong interest in the outdoors, particularly fishing and hunting, which have shaped his academic and career goals. In his free time, Jakobi enjoys playing tennis and spending time outside.