Susan Braovac

Susan Braovac is an Associate Professor in the Conservation of organic archaeological materials at the University of Oslo, affiliated with the Museum of Cultural History. Her work focuses on the conservation of archaeological wood, particularly alum-treated wood, and museum climate science. She teaches wood technology at the University of Oslo's Bachelor's program in Archaeology and Conservation.

• Education:
  • BSc in Biochemistry, McGill University (1989)
  • MA in Object Conservation, Queen's University (1993)
  • PhD in Conservation and Restoration Science, Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts (2015)

Her research explores the deterioration mechanisms of alum-preserved wood and seeks alternative consolidation materials to polyethylene glycol. She leads interdisciplinary projects like Saving Oseberg (2014–2020) and collaborates with Professor Maria Perla Colombini (University of Pisa) and Professor Stephen E. Harding (University of Nottingham). Current work includes analyzing chemical properties of archaeological wood and leather.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in consolidants for archaeological wood, hydrodynamic characterization, and environmental impacts on material degradation. Her work spans polymer chemistry, nanotechnology applications, and bio-inspired material synthesis. Notable collaborations include studies on lignin-like oligomers, tert-butyldimethylsilyl chitosan, and soda lignin from plant sources.

• Key Research Themes:
  • Alum-treated wood degradation
  • Alternative conservation polymers
  • Climate impact on heritage materials
  • Nanocomposite restoration methods
  • Cross-disciplinary heritage studies
  • Museum collection management

Susan Braovac actively contributes to interdisciplinary research groups such as Housing Heritage and INTER-Action, addressing the theoretical and practical dimensions of cultural heritage preservation. She has published extensively in journals like Scientific Reports, Heritage Science, and Microchemical Journal, focusing on the chemical and mechanical stability of preserved wooden artifacts.