Sam Harper

Sam Harper is a Research Fellow and Project Manager at the School of Social Sciences, Archaeology Department, University of Western Australia (UWA). He specializes in Australian rock art, focusing on Pilbara engravings and Kimberley rock art, with expertise in group identity, material culture, and arid-zone archaeology. His current role involves managing the ARC Linkage project 'Desert to the Sea' and previously worked on 'Kimberley Visions'. He holds a PhD from UWA (2018) on Marapikurrinya rock art and identity.

• Roles: ARC Project Manager, Treasurer of Australian Archaeological Association, Member of AAA Conference Subcommittee
• Education: PhD in Archaeology (UWA, 2018), Australian Postgraduate Award UWA Top-up Scholarship

Harper’s research explores rock art styles, group identity, and environmental interactions, particularly in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. His work contributes to Sustainable Development Goals in education and cultural preservation. Key research areas include rock art chronology, material culture, and Indigenous heritage management.

Publications span interdisciplinary analyses of rock art, dating techniques, and historical methodologies. His 2021 study on 17,500-year-old Kimberley rock paintings received widespread media coverage. Awards include the Student’s Choice Award (2019) for teaching excellence. He coordinates courses like GEOG1106 and lectures on archaeology units.

• Grants: Cockburn Ranges Rock Art Seed Funding (DBCA), ARC Linkage Project funding
• Activities: Public outreach with Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation, keynote speaker at Royal Society of WA events

Harper collaborates with Indigenous communities and institutions like Rock Art Australia, focusing on ethical research practices and cultural preservation.