Find Academic Supervisors

• Structural Impact Engineering
• Blast Loading
• Ballistic Impact
• +5 more

Martin Kristoffersen is a Researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), affiliated with the Centre for Advanced Structural Analysis (CASA) and the Structural Impact Laboratory (SIMLab). His work focuses on the critical intersection of physical testing and numerical simulations in structural impact engineering, with particular expertise in concrete structures, offshore pipelines, and ballistic impact phenomena. Dr. Kristoffersen earned his bachelor's degree as a civil engineer from Narvik University College in 2006, followed by specialized education in applied mathematics from the Arctic University of Norway in 2008. He completed his master's thesis titled "Fragmentation of metallic materials under impact" in 2010 and defended his PhD thesis "Impact against X65 offshore pipelines" in 2014 through CRI SIMLab. His research interests span structural impact engineering with specific focus on blast loading against concrete structures, ballistic impact against 3D printed metals, and the behavior of offshore pipelines under various loading conditions. Recent work demonstrates increasing emphasis on sustainable materials like low-carbon concrete for ballistic applications and additive manufacturing technologies, reflecting evolving priorities in structural engineering research. Analysis of his publication record reveals a clear progression from traditional structural testing to increasingly complex multi-threat scenarios, with growing integration of advanced manufacturing techniques. His work consistently bridges experimental validation with computational modeling, maintaining the dual approach that forms the core of his research philosophy. Dr. Kristoffersen maintains extensive collaborative relationships with colleagues at NTNU, particularly with Professor Tore Børvik, with whom he has co-authored numerous publications across multiple research domains including concrete structures, offshore engineering, and advanced materials. He is actively engaged with the Centre for Advanced Structural Analysis (CASA), which aims to establish knowledge on how numerical calculations can be effectively used in process and product development, and the Structural Impact Laboratory (SIMLab), recognized as a world leader in understanding material and structural behavior during impacts.

Marcus HamiltonView profile

Associate Professor

• Human-environment interactions
• Hunter-gatherer societies
• Complex adaptive systems
• +7 more

Marcus Hamilton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Texas at San Antonio's College of Liberal and Fine Arts. His research explores human-environment interactions across multiple scales, focusing on hunter-gatherer societies and the evolutionary principles underlying human ecological diversification. Employing interdisciplinary approaches combining anthropology, ecology, and mathematical modeling, he investigates energy flows, information processing, and nonlinear dynamics in human systems. Educational Background: Ph.D. in Anthropology, University of New Mexico (2008) M.S. in Anthropology, University of New Mexico (2002) B.Sc. in Archaeology, University College London (1998) Hamilton's work integrates comparative analyses across cultures and species, with particular emphasis on Paleolithic North America and Amazonian indigenous societies. He applies Bayesian theory, information theory, and machine learning to archaeological datasets, developing predictive models for understanding human adaptation and cultural evolution. Recent research trends show increasing focus on network analysis of lithic technologies, scaling laws in sociopolitical complexity, and remote sensing applications for studying isolated populations. His 2024-2025 publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary methodologies bridging ecological theory and anthropological practice. Scientific Awards: President's Distinguished Research Achievement Award (2020) Hamilton leads field research at the Mockingbird Gap Clovis site in New Mexico, investigating early Paleoindian adaptation to North American landscapes. His work combines empirical data collection with mathematical theory-building to explore fundamental principles of human ecological evolution.

Gábor SzabóView profile

Associate Professor

• Late Bronze Age archaeology
• Early Iron Age warfare
• Bronze Age metal hoards
• +6 more

Dr. Gábor Szabó (Habil. Associate Professor) is a faculty member at Eötvös Loránd University within the Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Department of Prehistory and Near Eastern Archaeology . His research focuses on Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age archaeology in the Carpathian Basin , with particular emphasis on fortified settlements and metallurgical practices . Affiliation: Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Humanities Academic Rank: Associate Professor Research Focus: Bronze Age metallurgy, Iron Age warfare, Experimental archaeology Key Projects: Excavations at Dédestapolcsány-Verebce-bérc, Hajdúböszörmény situla studies His archaeometallurgical research has revealed complex metalworking techniques through studies of: 30+ iron raw material depots 600+ bronze/iron artifacts Archaeological evidence of siege warfare with Scythian bronze arrowheads Key Findings: Discovery of unique Late Bronze Age hoards containing gold greaves and amber beads Identification of multiple attack waves in 9th-7th centuries BC Evidence of ritual fishing hook depositions His experimental archaeology program has: Reconstructed Scythian bows for ballistic testing Documented metalworking techniques through SEM-EDS analysis Established connections between metallurgical patterns and warrior elite ideology

• Archaeology
• Stone Artefact Technology
• Indonesian Archaeology
• +3 more

Dr. Yinika Perston is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Griffith University's Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research. Her primary research interests focus on stone artefact technology, with a special emphasis on Australian and Indonesian archaeology. She holds a PhD in Archaeology from Griffith University and has contributed to numerous funded research projects, including investigations into Pitta Pitta Country's stone-based structures and Sulawesi's Toalean archaeological sites. Dr. Perston has also collaborated on projects addressing frontier conflict histories and Indigenous cultural heritage preservation. She currently serves as an associate supervisor for doctoral research on topics like deep-time extinctions and Middle Stone Age lithic strategies. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts/Science (Archaeology, Zoology), a Diploma in Indigenous Archaeology, and a PhD from the University of New England and Griffith University. Her work often bridges experimental archaeology, material analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with publications in venues like Journal of Archaeological Science and Archaeological Research in Asia . Key projects include the Fugitive Traces initiative documenting Yulluna Aboriginal family histories and the Way out West archaeological study exploring Pitta Pitta landscapes. She has secured grants from organizations such as The Berndt Research Foundation and Griffith University, totaling over $300,000 in funding. Her research outputs span topics from rock art chemistry to ancient DNA analysis in Australian underwater caves.

Jay CusterView profile

Professor

• Native American archaeology
• Eastern North American archaeology
• Mid-Atlantic region archaeology
• +6 more

Jay Custer is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology within the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Delaware, where he also serves as director of the UD Center for Archaeological Research. His academic career spans several decades with extensive field experience across the Mid-Atlantic region. Custer earned his Ph.D. and M.A. from the Catholic University of America and completed his undergraduate studies at Franklin and Marshall College. His educational background provided the foundation for his specialized work in Native American archaeology of Eastern North America. Professor Custer's research focuses on Native American archaeology of Eastern North America, with particular emphasis on the Mid-Atlantic region and Delmarva Peninsula, investigating the technology, arts, and crafts of Native North American societies. His work includes developing archaeological and ethnohistorical research programs in association with the Delaware Indian Tribe of Oklahoma and the Nanticoke Indian Tribe of Delaware. He has conducted research at more than 150 prehistoric and historic archaeological sites while conducting surveys of over 1,500 sites across Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey. His teaching portfolio includes courses on modern Native American cultural issues, representations of North American and Mesoamerican Indians in popular culture, and modern American Anabaptist cultures. Analysis of Custer's publication record reveals a strong focus on practical archaeological methods and regional studies, particularly in Delaware and surrounding states. His work demonstrates consistent engagement with both prehistoric and historical archaeology, with particular attention to lithic analysis, settlement patterns, and cultural resource management. The publications span several decades, showing sustained scholarly productivity with emphasis on field methodology, artifact analysis, and regional cultural sequences. Custer's academic work has been primarily directed through cultural resource management projects, contributing significantly to the archaeological understanding of the Mid-Atlantic region. His fieldwork has involved extensive collaboration with state agencies and tribal nations, demonstrating commitment to community-engaged archaeology. As director of the UD Center for Archaeological Research, he oversees numerous archaeological projects and contributes to the training of future archaeologists through field experiences. Professor Custer maintains an active research program focused on the archaeology of the Eastern Woodlands, with particular attention to Delaware and the surrounding region. His work bridges academic research and practical cultural resource management, contributing to both scholarly understanding and preservation of archaeological resources in the Mid-Atlantic states.

• Archaeology
• Cultural Heritage
• Lithic Analysis
• +4 more

Dr. Benjamin Schoville is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Heritage and Culture, University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), specializing in experimental archaeology, lithic analysis, and human-environment interactions during the Middle Stone Age in the Kalahari Basin. His work bridges archaeological ecology with digital heritage modeling, focusing on social transmission patterns, climate change impacts on human innovation, and 3D scanning of sacred sites. Research interests include: Lithic tool function and damage analysis Paleoenvironmental reconstruction through tufa deposits Digital replication of cultural heritage Climate change and human evolutionary behavior Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding Middle Stone Age technological responses to glacial cycling, ostrich eggshell bead networks, and controlled projectile experiments. Articles often involve interdisciplinary methods combining geoarchaeology, experimental approaches, and computational modeling.

• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Neolithic Studies
• Bronze Age Archaeology
• +7 more

PD Dr. Laura Dietrich is a Senior Tutor at the Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology , Freie Universität Berlin, and associated with the Austrian Archaeological Institute . Specializes in Neolithic and Bronze Age archaeology across Europe, Anatolia, and the Andes Research focuses on monumentality at Göbekli Tepe Investigates cereal processing and storage systems Studies Andean terrace agriculture and settlement dynamics Examines metal deposition practices and regional cultural paradigms Her recent publications analyze: Early Neolithic seasonality patterns Pedo-geoarchaeological approaches to agricultural terraces Stone tool functionality and use-wear analysis Archaeological interpretation of special buildings Ritual contexts in Balkan and Levantine prehistory

Ashley SmallwoodView profile

Associate Professor

• Prehistory of the American Southeast
• Paleoindian and Archaic hunter-gatherer adaptations
• Lithic analysis
• +4 more

Ashley Smallwood is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Louisville. Her research focuses on the peopling of the Americas, particularly in the American Southeast, emphasizing stone tool analysis and Paleoindian/Archaic lifeways. She leads excavations at site 9RI381 in Georgia, investigating Clovis and Dalton components spanning 8,000 years. Her work combines fieldwork, microwear analysis, and 3D modeling to explore technological evolution and ritual practices. Education: PhD (2011), MA (2006), and BA (2003) in Anthropology from Texas A&M University. Research Interests: She studies lithic technology (flaked stone analysis), cultural evolution, and human-environment interactions. Key projects include Dalton point functionality, Sloan Cemetery uniqueness, and Clovis settlement dynamics. Her teaching emphasizes hands-on fieldwork and applied anthropology, offering courses like Archaeology of Human History and Ice Age Peoples. Field Projects: Ongoing work in Georgia’s Phinizy Swamp involves re-locating and documenting a Clovis component. The University of Louisville laboratory houses microscopy facilities for microwear analysis. Professional Contributions: Co-edited volumes include The American Southeast at the End of the Ice Age (2022) and Clovis: On the Edge of a New Understanding (2014). She is a member of the Society for American Archaeology and Southeastern Archaeology Conference.

Thomas JenningsView profile

Associate Professor

• Colonization of North America
• Hunter-Gatherer Studies
• Geoarchaeology
• +3 more

Thomas Jennings is an Associate Professor at the University of Louisville and Director of the Center for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage (CACHe). His research focuses on the colonization of North America, hunter-gatherer societies, geoarchaeology, lithic technologies, and Quaternary environments. Jennings holds a PhD from Texas A&M University and has conducted extensive fieldwork across North America. His research interests include Paleoindian and Early Archaic adaptations, Clovis technology, and the application of 3D modeling and geometric morphometrics in lithic analysis. Jennings' work integrates experimental archaeology with geochemical sourcing to understand prehistoric mobility and subsistence strategies. He has contributed significantly to understanding spatial organization at Clovis sites like the Topper site in South Carolina and the functional analysis of Dalton points from the Brand site in Arkansas. Recent publications (2020–2024) highlight advancements in technological analysis, such as 3D modeling of fluting evolution and experimental usewear studies. His work often bridges archaeological methods with public outreach through curation initiatives. Jennings' research spans the American Southeast and Great Plains, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to prehistoric cultural evolution and ritual practices. Key contributions include reinterpreting the Hogeye Clovis Cache and exploring ritual evidence at the Sloan Dalton cemetery. His work underscores the importance of technological innovation, environmental adaptation, and cultural continuity in Paleoindian and Early Archaic periods.

David KilbyView profile

Professor

• North American Paleoindians
• Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology
• Southwest Prehistory
• +4 more

Dr. David Kilby is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Texas State University. His research focuses on the archaeology of early North American hunter-gatherers, particularly the Paleoindian period (Clovis and Folsom cultures), and their interactions with Pleistocene environments. He directs the Ancient Southwest Texas Project (ASWT), conducting fieldwork in the Lower Pecos Canyonlands, including excavations at Bonfire Shelter and Eagle Cave. His work integrates lithic technology, geoarchaeology, and spatial analysis to understand caching behaviors, mobility patterns, and subsistence strategies. Kilby holds a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico (2008), an M.A. from Eastern New Mexico University, and a B.A. from Appalachian State University. Key research themes include Clovis caching systems, the transition from Clovis to Folsom traditions, and the use of lithic networks to trace social and technological connections. He has published extensively on topics such as proboscidean hunting, radiocarbon chronologies, and the peopling of the Americas. Kilby also contributes to Cultural Resource Management and has edited volumes on Clovis caches and Blackwater Draw geoarchaeology. Recent field projects include the Mockingbird Gap Clovis site in New Mexico and ongoing investigations at Bonfire Shelter, exploring controversial bison jumps and bonebed formation. His work challenges alternative hypotheses about early human occupation timelines and advocates for rigorous evaluation of pre-Clovis claims, as seen in critiques of the Chiquihuite Cave interpretation. Teaching responsibilities include courses on archaeological theory, geoarchaeology, Southwest prehistory, and CRM methods. Kilby’s research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, blending archaeology with geology, ecology, and statistics to reconstruct prehistoric lifeways.

Michael ManoelView profile

Tutor

• Lithics
• Experimental archaeology
• Projectile technologies
• +1 more

Michael Manoel is a PhD candidate and Tutor at the School of Social Science , The University of Queensland . His academic work focuses on the analysis of stone tools and the development of complex weapon systems, such as the bow-and-arrow and spear-thrower, through lithic analysis and experimental archaeology.

• Archaeology
• Human Evolution
• Lithic Technology
• +3 more

Dr Benjamin Schoville is an Honorary Senior Fellow at the School of Social Science, University of Queensland. His research focuses on Middle Stone Age archaeology, particularly lithic technology, human-environment interactions, and social networks in prehistoric societies. Key projects include studies at the Ga-Mohana Hill North Rockshelter and analysis of the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve's archaeological record. Collaborations emphasize experimental archaeology, 3D digital heritage, and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding early Homo sapiens innovation. Research interests span lithic tool function, climate-driven behavioral adaptations, and symbolic expression through material culture. His work integrates geological data (e.g., tufas, flowstones) with archaeological chronology to reconstruct prehistoric settlement patterns and resource utilization. Notable contributions include experimental studies on projectile technology and quantitative analyses of bead wear patterns. Publications highlight innovative methodological approaches, such as lithic provisioning models and statistical analysis of archaeological discard patterns. He actively engages with public archaeology through articles in The Conversation, emphasizing the significance of southern Kalahari archaeology for understanding human evolution. Ongoing research explores the interplay between environmental changes and technological advancements during the Pleistocene.

Karen RuebensView profile

Researcher

• Paleoarchaeology
• Proteomics
• Human Evolution
• +3 more

Dr. Karen Ruebens is a Principal Investigator of the COEXIST project at the University of Reading's Department of Archaeology, focusing on Neanderthal and early Homo sapiens coexistence in Central and Southeast Europe. She is an affiliated researcher at the Collège de France and serves as an editor for the Paleoanthropology journal. Her work integrates proteomics (e.g., ZooMS) with archaeological analyses to study fragmented bone assemblages. Key affiliations include cross-disciplinary collaborations with History, Classics, and Geography departments. Recent research emphasizes genomic studies, isotopic analyses, and sustainable methodologies in paleoproteomics. Her research interests span human evolution, subsistence strategies, and Middle/Upper Paleolithic technological transitions. Notable projects include investigations into early Homo sapiens dispersal into Europe and Neanderthal subsistence behaviors. She actively promotes open-access publishing through her editorial role and advocates for large-scale, interdisciplinary approaches in archaeological science. Recent publications highlight advancements in ZooMS applications, stable isotope interpretations, and chronological frameworks for key European sites. Her work bridges methodological innovation with paleoenvironmental and cultural context, contributing to debates on human adaptation and migration during the last glacial period.

Jessica ThompsonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Human Evolution
• Zooarchaeology
• Archaeological Science
• +3 more

Jessica C. Thompson is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Assistant Curator at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. She specializes in human evolution through zooarchaeology, leading the Malawi Ancient Lifeways and Peoples Project and directing the Yale Paleoarchaeology Lab. Her research focuses on interpreting early human behavior through analysis of animal bones and archaeological materials in Africa, particularly Malawi and Ethiopia. University: Yale University Department: Anthropology Key Projects: Malawi Ancient Lifeways Project, Ledi-Geraru Oldowan Studies Education: PhD in Anthropology (Arizona State University, 2008), M.Phil (Cambridge, 2002), B.S. (University of New Mexico, 2000). Previous roles include Assistant Professor at Emory University (2015–2019) and ARC Fellow at University of Queensland (2011–2012). Research interests span hunter-gatherer adaptation, technological evolution, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Recent work includes identifying the oldest African ancient DNA from Malawi (c. 8,100 BP) and analyzing Middle Stone Age behavioral complexity. Publications emphasize faunal analysis, taphonomy, and interdisciplinary approaches combining archaeology with genetics and geoscience. Awards include National Geographic Explorer status and Australian Research Council Fellowships. Current initiatives include advocating for Malawi's national museum infrastructure and mentoring students through HOMER field schools in Africa and Italy.

Dragana Malivuk GakView profile

Associate Professor

• Crystal Growth
• Physics Education
• Nonlinear Dynamics
• +2 more

Dragana Malivuk Gak serves as Associate Professor at the University of Banja Luka's Faculty of Science and Mathematics, holding dual appointments in the Department of General Physics and Department of Experimental Physics. She concurrently leads the Study Program for Technical Education and Informatics, teaching diverse physics courses across undergraduate and graduate levels including Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Physics Teaching Methodology. Her educational credentials include: Master's degree in Physics Teaching from University of Banja Luka (2008) Ph.D. in Physical Sciences from University of Belgrade (2015) focusing on sodium chlorate crystal growth Dr. Malivuk Gak's research trajectory demonstrates significant evolution across three distinct phases. Early work (2010-2014) established her expertise in crystal growth phenomena through publications in Journal of Crystal Growth and Crystal Growth & Design, examining sodium chlorate and Rochelle salt crystallization. This transitioned into physics education research (2017-2019), where she developed laboratory exercises and teaching methodologies, culminating in two textbooks. Most recently (2021-2025), she has pioneered interdisciplinary applications of physics principles to financial markets and climate systems, analyzing stock indices and temperature trends through mechanical analogies and nonlinear dynamics. Her publication portfolio reveals a clear methodological progression from experimental crystallography to computational analysis of complex systems. While early works employed traditional materials characterization techniques, recent publications utilize advanced time-series analysis and econophysical modeling. This evolution reflects growing interdisciplinary engagement, with current research bridging physics, economics, and environmental science through shared nonlinear dynamics frameworks. Dr. Malivuk Gak's educational contributions include two laboratory exercise textbooks: 'Laboratory Exercises in Mechanics' (2021) and 'Laboratory Exercises in Thermodynamics' (2023). Her teaching portfolio spans foundational physics courses and specialized didactics training, emphasizing practical demonstration techniques and innovative educational technologies like Algodoo simulations for projectile motion analysis.