Find Academic Supervisors

Prof. Dr. Cheryl Makarewicz is a Professor of Protohistoric Archaeology and Social Archaeology at the Institute of Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology , Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel . She is actively involved in the CRC 1266 Scales of Transformation and the ROOTS Cluster of Excellence , focusing on human-animal-environment interactions in prehistoric societies. Her research expertise spans zooarchaeology , stable isotope science , and bioarchaeology , with fieldwork conducted in Jordan, Mongolia, South Africa, Italy, and Inner Asia. She investigates early animal domestication, pastoral economies, Neolithic subsistence, and methodological rigor in isotopic analysis. Her recent publications reveal a strong trend in isotopic methodologies applied to diverse contexts: from reconstructing Neolithic foddering practices and urban elite provisioning to understanding hominin habitat use and ancient climate dynamics. Her work integrates multi-proxy data, including n-alkanes, collagen, and enamel isotopes, to achieve high-resolution reconstructions of past lifeways. She has contributed to major journals such as Scientific Reports , Journal of Archaeological Science , PLoS One , Antiquity , and Quaternary International , often in collaborative, international teams. Scientific Leadership and Methodology: Develops best practices in isotope archaeology Pioneers high-resolution intra-tooth and biomarker analyses Integrates ethnoarchaeological and geoarchaeological methods As a principal investigator, she leads or contributes to projects such as the El-Hemmeh Project in Jordan and studies on Trypillia mega-sites, Xiongnu elites, and Afanasievo pastoralism. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks (e.g., Marxist value theory) with empirical data, advancing understanding of social complexity in early agricultural societies. Laboratories and Teams: Works within the Institute of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology at Kiel Collaborates with international teams across Europe, North America, and Asia Engages in multidisciplinary clusters including ROOTS and CRC 1266

• Zooarchaeology
• Stable Isotope Science
• Animal Domestication
• +12 more

Dr. Michaela Ecker is a research-focused academic at the Institute of Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology, University of Kiel, Germany. She leads the DFG-funded Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Group 'Kgalagadi Human Origins (KHO)' from 2021 to 2027, following a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship at the same institution (2019–2021). Her academic journey includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Toronto and teaching experience at Oxford Brookes University. D.Phil in Archaeological Science, University of Oxford (2012–2016) Magister Artium, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen (2006–2011) Her research centers on reconstructing long-term environmental change and its impact on early human evolution, utilizing methods such as stable isotope analysis of faunal remains and sedimentary records from key archaeological sites like Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa. Her work integrates geochemistry, archaeology, and paleoclimatology to understand human adaptation in arid environments over millions of years. Dr. Ecker’s research is supported by prestigious grants, including the DFG Emmy Noether Programme and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, indicating high recognition in her field. While specific publications and advisees are not listed in the provided text, her leadership of an independent research group implies active supervision and collaboration. DFG Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Group Grant Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship She is involved in major research initiatives such as the 'Scales of Transformation' and the Cluster ROOTS at Kiel University, contributing to interdisciplinary studies on human-environment dynamics. Her project 'Kgalagadi Human Origins' (kho-project.com) focuses on human resilience and adaptation in the Kgalagadi region, combining fieldwork and laboratory analysis.

• Archaeological Science
• Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction
• Human Origins
• +7 more

Christoph Rinne is a Research Associate in Archaeoinformatics at the Institute of Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel. He has been a key figure in computational archaeology and digital documentation since 2008, contributing to major projects such as SFB 1266 and the DFG Priority Programme on Early Monumentality. His work integrates field archaeology, geophysics, and advanced data modeling. His research focuses on Neolithic and Bronze Age Europe, particularly the Funnel Beaker and Wartberg cultures. He specializes in megalithic monuments, settlement landscapes, and digital methodologies including GIS, CAD, and database development. His field projects span Germany, Mallorca, and Portugal, often involving student training in applied computational archaeology. The 15 most recent publications reveal a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research, combining traditional excavation data with radiocarbon modeling, ancient DNA, paleoenvironmental analysis, and digital reconstruction. His work increasingly addresses socio-environmental transformations, connectivity, and health in prehistoric societies, reflecting a broadening scope from material culture to systemic societal change. Rinne is actively involved in academic training, having developed tutorials on AutoCAD, QGIS, Zotero, and SQLite for archaeologists. He leads DFG-funded subprojects and collaborates with international teams on cutting-edge bioarchaeological research. His leadership roles include subproject leadership in SFB 1266 and the Haldensleben-Hundisburg research initiative. He has secured continuous research funding and mentors students through field internships and collaborative publications. Rinne leads or co-leads several research teams, including those at Niedertiefenbach, Es Rossells (Mallorca), and the Haldensleben-Hundisburg region. These teams combine field archaeologists, geophysicists, and digital specialists to investigate long-term landscape use and societal change.

• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Neolithic Europe
• Megalithic Monuments
• +16 more

Brian Clark is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Hobart and William Smith Colleges , where he has been a faculty member since 2019. He is based in Stern Hall and contributes to the Department of Anthropology within the School of Humanities. Degree History: BA, Pennsylvania State University MA, Rice University PhD, Rice University His research centers on complex civilizations in East Africa , with a specialized focus on post-Aksumite Ethiopia . He investigates historical and archaeological dimensions of church-state dynamics, mobile capitals, and diverse urban forms across Africa. His methodological interests include geoarchaeology, landscape formation processes, and landscape historical ecology in the Horn of Africa. He is currently in the preliminary reconnaissance phase of two new research projects at historically documented royal capitals in Ethiopia. Teaching responsibilities include World Prehistory and Early Cities , with prior teaching experience in the 'Academics for Offenders' Program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. His scholarly service includes being Treasurer of The Society of Africanist Archaeologists (SAfA) since 2016. He has not published any articles in the provided text, and there is no mention of scientific awards, advisees, or grants. His position is full-time and temporary (visiting), but fully academic in nature. Contact: bclark@hws.edu

• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• East African Civilizations
• +8 more

Joan Wozniak serves as a Courtesy Research Associate within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oregon, contributing to anthropological research initiatives. Her academic credentials include: M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Oregon Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Oregon Dr. Wozniak specializes in geoarchaeological investigations of human-environment interactions, particularly focusing on soil composition and microfossil analysis in archaeological sediments. Her primary research examines subsistence practices—including food production and foraging—on Rapanui (Easter Island) resulting from Polynesian colonization, alongside ongoing studies of Micronesian and Western Pacific ceramics that extend her master's research. This work integrates environmental science, archaeological methodology, and Pacific cultural history. Her professional activities emphasize field-based analysis of agricultural soils and ceramic artifacts to reconstruct historical ecological changes and human adaptation strategies in Oceania.

• Archaeology
• Geoarchaeology
• Environmental Archaeology
• +3 more

Dr. Thomas Roggenkamp is a Research Associate in Physical Geography at the Geographical Institute of the University of Bonn, where he is affiliated with the working group of Prof. Dr. Jürgen Herget. He specializes in paleohydrology and geoarchaeology, focusing on the reconstruction of historical flood and drought events using documentary and geomorphological evidence. His work bridges natural and cultural sciences, particularly in understanding the hydrological dynamics of the Rhine during Roman times and recent extreme events like the 2021 Ahr Valley flood. His research interests include paleohydrology , geomorphology , geoarchaeology , and historical flood reconstruction . He investigates how past societies interacted with river systems, using historical records, geological data, and hydrological modeling to reconstruct extreme events such as floods and droughts. His work has significant implications for understanding climate variability, flood risk, and resilience in cultural riverine landscapes. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on hydrological extremes, particularly in the Ahr and Rhine river systems. His research combines historical climatology , environmental archaeology , and modern hydrological modeling to provide insights into both ancient and contemporary flood dynamics. He frequently collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and contributes to policy-relevant discussions on flood protection and resilience. He has been recognized with the LVR Science Prize (2022) for his dissertation on the hydrology of the Roman Middle and Lower Rhine. This award highlights the academic and regional significance of his work in Rhenish regional studies. Dr. Roggenkamp supervises bachelor's theses and teaches courses such as field practicals in physical geography, advanced seminars, and research seminars on topics like the Ahr Valley flood disaster. He is actively involved in current research projects on extreme discharge values along the German Rhine, in collaboration with the Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG). He also participates in academic conferences, including co-convening an EGU session on flood trends in cultural riverine landscapes. He is associated with the AG Herget research group at the University of Bonn, which focuses on geomorphology and paleohydrology. The group conducts interdisciplinary research on landscape evolution, extreme hydrological events, and human-environment interactions over long timescales.

• Paleohydrology
• Geomorphology
• Geoarchaeology
• +6 more

Ibrahim Noureddine is an Adjunct Research Professor in the Department of Greek and Roman Studies at Carleton University, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. His academic background includes a PhD from the University of Granada, Spain, and degrees from the Lebanese University (UL). He specializes in Mediterranean archaeology with a focus on maritime and harbor studies. Education: B.A., Université Libanaise (UL) M.A., Université Libanaise (UL) Ph.D., Universidad de Granada, Spain His research interests center on maritime archaeology, particularly the study of ancient harbors, shipwrecks, and coastal infrastructure in the eastern Mediterranean. He has conducted extensive underwater excavations in Lebanon (Byblos, Tyre, Jiyeh, Beirut), Syria (Tell Kazel, Tell Karma), and Egypt (Luxor, Amenhotep III and Thutmosis III Temple sites). His work bridges Egyptology, Phoenician archaeology, and Bronze/Iron Age studies. He emphasizes interdisciplinary methods combining underwater survey, geoarchaeology, and historical analysis. The most recent publications reflect a consistent focus on Phoenician harbor systems, particularly at Tyre and Byblos, with increasing attention to paleogeography, maritime infrastructure, and the impact of environmental changes. His articles demonstrate a long-term commitment to uncovering and preserving submerged archaeological heritage in the Levant. Scientific Contributions: Founding Director, Canadian Archaeological Research Organization (CARO) Active member, Thutmosis III Mortuary Temple excavation project, Luxor, Egypt Former participant, Amenhotep III Temple excavations, Luxor Key contributor to mapping and interpreting the Phoenician harbor at Tyre, identifying it as one of the oldest and largest Iron Age harbor installations in the Mediterranean Noureddine has advised and collaborated with international institutions and scholars, including UNESCO, IFPO, and the Honor Frost Foundation. He has presented at major international conferences such as TROPIS and UNESCO symposia. His work continues to advance understanding of ancient Mediterranean maritime networks and harbor engineering. Research Teams and Projects: Director, Canadian Archaeological Research Organization (CARO) Team member, Spanish excavation and restoration project at Thutmosis III Mortuary Temple, Luxor Co-director (with Hélou), underwater investigations at Tyre since 2001 Collaborator with Jacques Collina-Girard on coastal geomorphology at Byblos

• Maritime Archaeology
• Egyptology
• Eastern Mediterranean Bronze and Iron Age Archaeology
• +7 more

Dr. Samantha Elsie Jones is a Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen's School of Geosciences, specializing in paleoecology and environmental archaeology. She leads the Leverhulme-funded 'Coming into the Light' project (2022-2027), exploring environmental changes in northern Britain during the 1st millennium AD. Her work integrates fossil pollen, geochemistry, and archaeological data to understand past societies' interactions with their environments. Education: - BA (Hons) Geography & German, University of Plymouth - MSc Environmental Archaeology, Queen's University Belfast (QUB) - PhD Tropical Palynology, QUB (with fieldwork in Malaysian Borneo). Research Interests: Her research focuses on reconstructing past environments using multi-proxy analyses, with an emphasis on socio-environmental dynamics in prehistoric and early medieval societies. Key areas include Roman frontiers, Norse settlements, and Pictish societies in Scotland and Ireland. Grants & Projects: - 5-year Leverhulme grant (2022-2027) on Dark Age environments. - Marie Curie Fellowship (2014-2016) on Mediterranean climate-human impacts. - Collaborations with institutions like Queen's University Belfast, National Museums Scotland, and the University of Santiago de Compostela. Teaching: She teaches courses in bioarchaeology, archaeobotany, and geoarchaeology at the University of Aberdeen, including modules on the archaeology of northern societies and sustainable futures.

• Paleoecology
• Environmental Archaeology
• Historical Environmental Change
• +3 more

Jennifer R. Smith is the Vice Provost for Educational Initiatives and a Professor of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Washington University. She holds a courtesy appointment as Professor of Environmental Studies. Her research focuses on Quaternary Geology, Geoarchaeology, and Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction, examining human-environment interactions through sedimentological and geochemical analyses. She assumed the role of Vice Provost in July 2021, overseeing educational initiatives. Her work integrates climatic changes' impact on human resources and vice versa, using interdisciplinary methods. She has been recognized for teaching excellence, as noted in a 2023 university announcement.

• Quaternary Geology
• Geoarchaeology
• Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction
• +3 more

Andre Carlo Colonese serves as Director of Research in the Department of Prehistory at the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA) of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), where he leads the EarlyFoods research group (SGR-2011) and serves as Principal Investigator for multiple major research projects including the ERC-Consolidator project TRADITION and the Societal Challenge OCEANS of the Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence. He is actively accepting PhD students and maintains a robust research program with international collaborations spanning Europe, South America, and Africa. His educational background includes: PhD from the University of Siena (2002-2006, awarded June 1, 2006) Undergraduate degree (1997-2002, awarded July 1, 2002) Colonese's research integrates zooarchaeology, light stable isotopes (organic and inorganic), and organic residue analysis to reconstruct ecological and dietary information about past societies. His work focuses on the emergence of food production systems and the role of coastal and ocean environments in early societies across South America and southern Europe, with particular emphasis on Brazil, Peru, Chile, and Mediterranean coastal regions. His methodological approach combines laboratory analysis with field archaeology to address questions about human adaptation, resource use, and environmental change throughout the Holocene period. His recent publications demonstrate a strong interdisciplinary focus, applying advanced scientific techniques to archaeological questions about ancient foodways, coastal adaptations, and human-environment interactions. The research shows increasing integration of traditional knowledge systems with scientific data to address complex questions about long-term environmental change and sustainability, reflecting his commitment to addressing contemporary challenges through archaeological perspectives. Notable recognitions include: ERC Consolidator Grant for the TRADITION project Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellowship AHRC Postdoctoral Research Associate position SGR-2011 funding for the EarlyFoods research group Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence accreditation Colonese supervises a diverse research team including PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and technicians funded through competitive grants including ERC-CoG, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, FPI, Maria de Zambrano, and Beatriu de Pinos fellowships. His current grant portfolio includes multiple active projects with the European Commission, Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, and other international funding bodies, with combined funding supporting research through 2027. He directs the EarlyFoods research group, which specializes in analyzing ancient food production systems with expertise in Amazonian, Llanos, and Pre-Columbian societies. The group employs a multidisciplinary methodology integrating archaeological evidence with geochemical and ecological analyses to investigate human adaptations to coastal and inland environments throughout the Holocene.

• Zooarchaeology
• Stable Isotope Analysis
• Organic Residue Analysis
• +4 more

Umberto Lombardo is a Professor at the Department of Prehistory, Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA-UAB) at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. His research focuses on pre-Columbian societies in the Amazon basin, particularly their interactions with landscapes and environmental changes. He leads major projects like DEMODRIVERS (ERC Consolidator Grant) studying demographic dynamics in Amazonia, and MONUFEAST examining sociopolitical complexity through monumental archaeology. Key research interests include: Pre-Columbian agriculture and land use (e.g., Casarabe Culture, raised fields) Holocene environmental transformations in Amazonia Anthropogenic impacts on tropical landscapes Geochronological and geochemical methods for reconstructing past environments Recent work highlights maize monoculture's role in Amazonian urbanism, Bolivian Amazon landscape evolution, and the discovery of over 10,000 hidden pre-Columbian earthworks. His projects involve international collaborations, integrating archaeology, geology, and environmental science. Key Projects: DEMOMDRIVERS (2023–2027): Tracing demographic patterns via archaeological records MONUFEAST (2026–2028): Linking subsistence to sociopolitical complexity

• Pre-Columbian Studies
• Amazonian Archaeology
• Environmental Science
• +3 more

Dr. Kate Spence is a Senior Lecturer in Egyptian Archaeology at the University of Cambridge, Department of Archaeology. She is a Fellow and Director of Studies at Emmanuel College, and serves as External Director of Studies for Christ's College and Robinson College. Her research focuses on material culture, built environments, and Egyptology, with a particular emphasis on ancient Egyptian architecture, the Amarna period, and settlement archaeology. Dr. Spence has contributed to debates on the astronomical orientations of pyramids and the socio-political dynamics of ancient Egyptian temple construction. Her academic work integrates environmental archaeology, geoarchaeology, and landscape studies, exploring how physical environments shaped ancient societies. She has authored numerous publications, including studies on Hatshepsut’s foundation deposits, Amarna domestic cult practices, and royal walling projects. Dr. Spence is affiliated with the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research and collaborates with institutions like the Duckworth Laboratory for Archaeology. Her research spans Egypt’s Pharaonic era, with geographical focus on Egypt and Sudan. She actively supervises PhD students and engages in archaeological heritage initiatives, including projects at Amarna. Key themes in her work include material culture analysis, urban development, and the interplay between architecture and political legitimacy. Dr. Spence’s contributions bridge archaeological theory and empirical research, offering insights into ancient socio-cultural systems.

• Material Culture
• Built Environment
• Environmental Archaeology
• +6 more

Beth Shapiro is a Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She leads the Paleogenomics Lab, specializing in reconstructing evolutionary processes using ancient genetic material from plants and animals. Her work bridges paleontology, conservation biology, and genomics to understand species adaptation and ecosystem dynamics over millennia. Shapiro’s research focuses on using ancient DNA to explore climate change impacts, species migration, and extinction mechanisms. She has pioneered methods for analyzing degraded genetic material, contributing to breakthroughs in de-extinction technologies and conservation strategies for endangered species. Her lab’s interdisciplinary approach combines fieldwork, genomic sequencing, and computational analysis. She is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and 2009 MacArthur Fellow, recognized for her scientific contributions and public engagement. Notable accolades include membership in the National Academy of Sciences (2025), American Academy of Arts & Sciences (2023), and AAAS Fellow status. Shapiro also authored Life as We Made It , exploring humanity’s historical role in shaping biodiversity. Currently on leave, she serves as Chief Science Officer at Colossal Biosciences, advancing genetic rescue and de-extinction projects. Her work highlights the application of genomic insights to modern ecological challenges, emphasizing the interplay between historical patterns and future conservation efforts.

• Paleogenomics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Conservation Genetics
• +3 more

Professor Nick Drake is a leading academic in Physical Geography at King's College London, specializing in remote sensing, GIS, and arid zone studies. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science (1983) and a Master of Applied Science in Geochemical Exploration (1986). After postdoctoral research at Reading University, he joined King's in 1992, becoming a Professor in 2013. His work focuses on desert geomorphology, paleoclimates, and human-environment interactions, particularly in the Sahara and Arabian Peninsula. He leads the Sahara Megalakes Project, investigating ancient lakes in Chad, Libya, and Tunisia. His research integrates remote sensing and fieldwork to explore human dispersals and environmental changes. Education: BSc (Plymouth Polytechnic), MAppSc (University of New South Wales), PhD (part-time, Reading University, 1986-1992). Academic roles include editorial board memberships for journals like Journal of Arid Environments and leadership in the Society for Libyan Studies. Teaching includes courses on environmental remote sensing, arid environments, and global change. Research interests span remote sensing applications, semi-arid geomorphology, and geoarchaeology. Key projects include reconstructing Saharan and Arabian paleoenvironments and tracing hominin dispersals. Recent work highlights recurrent humid phases in Arabia and the role of ancient lakes in human migration. His articles address climate-landscape interactions, dust dynamics, and Holocene subsistence strategies. Grants and collaborations involve international projects with universities from nine countries. Supervised PhD students include P. Breeze (NERC-funded) and N. Yan. Awards include editorial and leadership roles in academic societies. Labs/groups include the Earth Observation and Environmental Sensing Hub at King's.

• Remote Sensing
• GIS
• Semi-arid and Arid Zone Geomorphology
• +4 more

Byron Straw is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences within the College of Natural and Health Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). He is actively involved in teaching and research, with a strong focus on geomorphology and science education. Education: M.A. in Geology, University of Northern Colorado B.S. in Earth Science and Geology, Clarion University of Pennsylvania His research interests include Late Quaternary glacial geomorphology, Holocene/Pleistocene climate reconstruction, geoarchaeology, hydrogeology, volcanic geology, and science education. His work integrates field-based geological investigations with educational initiatives, particularly in the context of natural disasters and primary resource teaching. He employs geophysical methods and soil analysis to understand landscape evolution and past climate conditions. The recent articles show a consistent focus on glacial and periglacial environments in Colorado, with an emphasis on cirque development and Quaternary climate impacts. His publications bridge academic research and science communication, particularly through educational outreach programs. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Byron Straw advises students in geology and earth sciences, though specific names are not listed. His work is supported through university-affiliated research and educational programs. He contributes to curriculum development in science education and disaster literacy. He is associated with the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences research group at UNC, which conducts field studies in the Rocky Mountains and engages in community science outreach. Labs and Teams: He is affiliated with the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at UNC, participating in field research teams focused on geomorphology and environmental geology. His work contributes to the broader research mission of the College of Natural and Health Sciences, particularly in earth system science and sustainability education.

• Geomorphology
• Quaternary Geology
• Climate Reconstruction
• +7 more