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Haagen KlausView profile

Professor

• Bioarchaeology
• Paleopathology
• Dental Anthropology
• +6 more

Haagen Klaus is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at George Mason University, specializing in bioarchaeology, paleopathology, and forensic anthropology. Since 2013, he has directed research on the north coast of Peru, focusing on human skeletal biology, mortuary practices, and the impacts of colonialism and environmental stressors on prehistoric and historic societies. Ph.D., Department of Anthropology, The Ohio State University (2008) M.A., Department of Anthropology, Southern Illinois University (2003) B.A., Department of Anthropology, State University of New York at Plattsburgh (2000) Klaus's research explores biocultural transformations in complex societies, with emphasis on health, violence, identity, and ethnogenesis. His Lambayeque Valley Biohistory Project (founded 2003) investigates skeletal markers of disease, stress, and violence across 10,000 years of Andean history. Methodologies include isotopic chemistry, ancient DNA analysis, and dental phenetics. Recent work (2025) examines oral microbiomes during Spanish colonization, syndemic processes in colonial dynamics, and stress indicators in pre- and postcontact populations. Projects integrate osteoimmunology, ecoimmunology, and life history trade-offs to understand physiological and cultural resilience. Current graduate students under his supervision include Rae-Ocean Blake, Kimberly Hargrave, Megan Jankowski, Emily Schopmeyer, and Celeste Schultheiss. He leads international collaborations involving Peruvian, Japanese, Canadian, and American researchers through the Lambayeque Valley Biohistory Project.

• Urbanization and state organization in the second and first millennia BC
• Archaeology of Mediterranean islands
• Colonization in the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age
• +5 more

Maria Iacovou is a Professor of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology at the Department of History and Archaeology, University of Cyprus. She has held leadership roles including Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Chair of the Department of History and Archaeology, and Deputy Director of the Archaeology Research Unit. Her research focuses on ancient Cyprus, urbanization, and Mediterranean archaeology, with a particular emphasis on the Bronze and Iron Ages. She has directed major projects like the Palaepaphos Urban Landscape Project and the Palaepaphos-Laona Tumulus Investigation. Iacovou has received numerous fellowships and awards, including from the Fulbright Commission, British Academy, and Onassis Foundation. She has authored/co-edited over 20 monographs and contributed to international conferences. Her work integrates archaeological fieldwork, historical cartography, and GIS technologies.

• Central Asian Archaeology
• Hellenistic Archaeology
• Ancient History
• +3 more

Sören Stark is a Professor of Central Asian Archaeology at New York University's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW). He holds roles as Vice Director (Spring/Summer 2025 & AY2025-26) and Chair of the Visiting Scholar Search Committee (AY2025-26). His expertise focuses on the archaeology of Central Asia, particularly Hellenistic and Late Antique Sogdiana, and the dynamics between agrarian societies and nomadic groups. Stark received his PhD in 2005 from Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg and has conducted extensive fieldwork in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the Bukhara oasis. Key projects include directing excavations at Bashtepa (since 2015), investigating agro-pastoral communities in Western Sogdiana, and analyzing Bronze/Iron Age petroglyphs and Iron Age kurgans. His research integrates archaeological data with historical sources, emphasizing regional connectivity and cultural interactions during the Hellenistic and post-Hellenistic periods. Stark co-edits Brill's Handbook of Oriental Studies and has published widely on topics such as Türk archaeology, Sogdian material culture, and Greco-Bactrian coinage. Recent work highlights include the 2019 publication on Bashtepa's fortifications and terracotta figurines, alongside studies on urbanization patterns in Bukharan Sogdiana. His field methodologies combine stratigraphic excavation, ceramic analysis, and radiocarbon dating to reconstruct socio-environmental histories. Laboratory and team collaborations involve the Uzbek-American Expedition in Bukhara (UzAmEB) and the NYU Abu Dhabi archaeological initiative. Stark's research bridges ancient history and archaeology, addressing questions of cultural identity, political frontiers, and subsistence strategies in Central Asia's crossroads.

Thomas F. StrasserView profile

Professor

• Aegean Bronze Age
• Greek Archaeology
• Mediterranean Prehistory
• +3 more

Thomas F. Strasser is Professor of Art History at Providence College, specializing in Greek archaeology with expertise in Minoan Crete. He earned his PhD in Classical Archaeology from Indiana University and has conducted fieldwork in Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey for over two decades. Strasser's research reinterprets Bronze Age frescoes and investigates early Mediterranean seafaring through his Plakias Stone Age Project. His courses explore the art and archaeology of ancient Iraq, Egypt, and classical civilizations. Strasser received the 2021 Outstanding Faculty Scholar Award and leads student excavations on Crete. Recent publications examine Paleolithic tool assemblages challenging conventional timelines of Mediterranean colonization and geological elements in Theran wall paintings. His fieldwork continues to uncover evidence of Mesolithic habitation in southern Crete.

Christopher RattéView profile

Professor

• Classical Archaeology
• Greek and Roman Art
• Archaeology of Asia Minor
• +3 more

Christopher Ratté is a Professor of Ancient Mediterranean Art and Archaeology at the University of Michigan, holding joint appointments in the Departments of Classical Studies and History of Art. He serves as Director of the Interdepartmental Program in Ancient Mediterranean Art and Archaeology and previously directed the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology (2013–2017). He earned his PhD in Classical Archaeology from the University of California, Berkeley (1989), following MA (1984) and BA (1981) degrees from Harvard College. Education: PhD Classical Archaeology, UC Berkeley (1989); MA, UC Berkeley (1984); BA, Harvard (1981) Roles: Director of Kelsey Museum (2013–2017), Director of IPAMAA (2009–2013, 2020–2024) Exhibitions: Curated 'Rock, Paper Memory' (2015) and 'Urban Biographies' (2018) at the Kelsey Museum Ratté’s research focuses on the archaeology of western Turkey and the Black Sea region, emphasizing how built environments—monuments, settlements, and landscapes—reflect social and cultural identity. Major projects include the Aphrodisias Regional Survey (2005–2009), Vani Regional Survey (Georgia, 2009–2012), and ongoing excavations at Notion (Turkey, since 2022 with NEH funding). His publications explore architectural traditions, urban development, and cross-cultural interactions in antiquity. Recent works include co-editing Aphrodisias V (2012) and co-authoring Archaeology and the Cities of Asia Minor in Late Antiquity (2011). Current fieldwork at Notion investigates ancient urbanism through a collaboration with international teams. Grants: NEH Collaborative Research Grant (2022) Advising: Supervised over 50 articles and excavation reports on Asia Minor Ratté’s lab/team collaborations include projects at Notion, Vani, and Aphrodisias, integrating interdisciplinary methods like remote sensing and geological analysis to study human-environment interactions.

Greger LarsonView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Genomics
• Ancient DNA
• Domestication
• +5 more

Professor Greger Larson is a leading scholar in evolutionary genomics and bioarchaeology at the University of Oxford, serving as Director of the Palaeogenomics & Bio-Archaeology Research Network. Based at Brasenose College, he specializes in ancient DNA studies, domestication processes, and human-animal dispersal patterns. His work bridges archaeology, genetics, and computational biology to address long-standing evolutionary questions. University of Oxford: Current affiliation Palaeo-BARN: Director Research focus: Domestication, ancient DNA, phylogenetics Larson's research integrates ancient DNA with morphological data to reconstruct evolutionary trajectories. His projects span mammals like dogs, cats, and pigs, exploring how domestication shaped modern biodiversity. Recent work examines viral virulence through archaeological samples and interdisciplinary analyses of historical human-animal interactions. His publications highlight trends in domestication genetics, including dual dispersal patterns in dogs and genetic shifts in post-introduction populations. Collaborative efforts like the FarmGtex project emphasize functional genomics across livestock tissues. Supervision includes DPhil students studying epidemiological transitions, Basque uniqueness, and bioarchaeological methods. Current grants from AHRC and ERC support his work on human-chicken interactions and ancient DNA synthesis.

Alissa MittnikView profile

Researcher

• Archaeogenetics
• Ancient DNA Analysis
• Social Systems Reconstruction
• +3 more

Alissa Mittnik is a Group Leader at the Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. She leads the 'MySocialBeIng' group, focusing on integrating archaeoscience to reconstruct social systems like kinship, gender roles, and mobility patterns in ancient societies. Her work bridges genetics, archaeology, and cultural studies to understand prehistoric populations. Education: PhD in 2016: University of Tübingen (Investigating Social Dynamics via Ancient DNA) Studies in Biology at Washington University (USA), University of Rostock, and University of Tübingen Research Interests: Genetic correlates of cultural transitions and social hierarchies Mobility in the ancient Mediterranean Archaeogenetic analysis of prehistoric populations Applications of ancient DNA to reconstruct migration and kinship networks Key Projects: Co-led the 'Times of Upheaval' project (2016-2018) on Bronze Age societal changes Published extensively on European, Mediterranean, and African prehistoric populations Lab/Team: Her group combines genomic, isotopic, and archaeological data to address questions about human migration, social organization, and cultural evolution.

Reinhard JungView profile

Associate Professor

• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Mediterranean Archaeology
• Bronze Age Studies
• +5 more

PD Dr. Reinhard Jung is an Associate Professor and Group Leader of the research group 'Mediterranean Economies' at the Institute for Oriental and European Archaeology (OREA) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna. His work focuses on prehistoric archaeology in the Mediterranean and Southeast Europe, with a specialization in the Bronze and Early Iron Ages. He leads excavations and interdisciplinary research projects such as those at Punta di Zambrone (Italy) and Ayios Vasileios (Greece). Key research interests include Mycenaean Greece, Aegean-Italian cultural and economic interactions, chronology systems, and the application of archaeometric methods. He has published extensively on topics such as Mycenaean pottery production, Bronze Age trade networks, and the collapse of Mediterranean palatial systems. Recent research highlights include organic residue analysis at Ayios Vasileios, interdisciplinary studies on Punta di Zambrone's role as a harbor site, and investigations into the absolute chronology of Mediterranean Bronze Age events. His work bridges archaeology with natural sciences, emphasizing collaborative, data-driven approaches to understanding ancient societies. He has edited volumes on Mediterranean economies, Mycenaean palace destructions, and Bronze Age transformations, reflecting his role in shaping scholarly discourse. His contributions span excavations, publications, and leadership in international collaborative projects, making him a leading figure in Aegean and Mediterranean prehistory.

Rolfe David MandelView profile

Professor

• Geoarchaeology
• Quaternary Geology
• Geomorphology
• +4 more

Rolfe David Mandel is a University Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas, specializing in Quaternary Geology and Geoarchaeology. His work focuses on landscape evolution, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and the integration of geological and archaeological methodologies. Research Interests: Geoarchaeology of prehistoric landscapes Quaternary climate dynamics Fluvial and aeolian processes Remote sensing applications in archaeology Publications highlight his expertise in reconstructing Pleistocene/Holocene environmental changes in North America and globally. Notable projects include studies on the Nebraska Sand Hills, Yukon's Bluefish Caves, and extraterrestrial geoarchaeological frontiers. He also leads efforts in applying Quaternary science to cultural resource management challenges. Teaching emphasizes geoarchaeological methods and Quaternary geology, with courses on paleoenvironmental reconstruction and geomorphology. His work bridges geology and archaeology, addressing questions of human-environment interactions across timescales—from Paleolithic migrations to future lunar heritage preservation.

Martin RichardsView profile

Professor

• Genetics
• Archeogenetics
• Human Evolution
• +4 more

Professor Martin Richards holds a Research Chair in the Department of Physical and Life Sciences at the University of Huddersfield, where he directs the Evolutionary Genomics Research Centre. Previously, he has held academic roles at UCL, Huddersfield, and Leeds University, focusing on human evolution and bioinformatics. His research expertise centers on archaeogenetics, particularly applying mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis to understand human migration patterns, including the settlement of Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Key contributions include influential models on prehistoric dispersals and the use of mtDNA networks in phylogenetic analysis. Richards' educational background includes genetics studies at the Universities of Sheffield, Manchester, and Oxford. His work has coalesced around mtDNA genome variation, addressing questions such as the out-of-Africa dispersal routes and the genetic history of European populations. He co-edited *Mitochondrial DNA and the Evolution of Homo Sapiens* (2006) and has contributed to over 120 peer-reviewed publications, with a h-index of 62. Research interests span archaeogenetics, human evolution, and molecular evolution, with a focus on resolving debates around European settlement and Pacific colonization. Collaborations include the ACROSS project investigating Australasian colonization. Awards and recognitions include a Google Scholar h-index of 79 from 26,574 citations. Supervised PhD projects explore archaeogenetic topics, and he actively accepts new students in these areas. Richards' work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly through insights into human migration and genetic diversity. His lab, the Evolutionary Genomics Research Centre, serves as a hub for advanced genetic studies, integrating archaeological and genomic data to trace human prehistory.

Marta ArzarelloView profile

Associate Professor

• First European peopling
• Prehistory
• Excavation methods
• +4 more

Marta Arzarello is an Associate Professor in Prehistory and Protohistory at the Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Ferrara (Italy). She serves as Deputy Director of the Department of Humanistic Studies and Coordinator of the Doctorate in Human Sciences and the International Master in Quaternary and Prehistory, both funded by Erasmus Mundus. She has coordinated numerous international projects (FP7, Erasmus Mundus, CNR-CNRST) and acted as EC expert since 2011. Director of over 60 Master’s and 21 PhD theses Director of excavations at Pirro Nord and Ciota Ciara Focus on Middle/Lower Palaeolithic technology, first European peopling, island colonization, and Sahara cultures Her recent publications (2025–2024) span archaeology , anthropology , and lithic technology , addressing topics such as: Neurocranial morphology of Palaeolithic remains Lithic analysis of Lower Palaeolithic sites Diet and subsistence strategies in Palaeolithic Italy Use-wear analysis for tool functionality Early human presence in Western Europe She received the Prix Prince Rainier III de Monaco (2018) for research at Pirro Nord. Her work integrates field campaigns, experimental archaeology, and museum curation to reconstruct human behavior and environmental interactions.

• Marine Geology
• Ocean Mapping
• Submarine Geomorphology
• +3 more

Robin Beaman is an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at James Cook University in Cairns, Australia. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in marine geology and ocean mapping, focusing on submerged geological features and their ecological implications. Research Interests : Drowned reefs, mesophotic coral ecosystems, submarine canyons, turbidite sediment flows, underwater landslides, and deep-water marine life Projects : GBR Marine Park mapping, Queensland Coastline Capture, Crowdsourced bathymetry, and Antarctic marine census initiatives His work develops 3D depth models of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, integrating geological and ecological data. Recent publications focus on Halimeda bioherms, carbonate platform drowning, and benthic community distributions across depth gradients. While no awards are listed, his research spans interdisciplinary collaborations with academic, government, and industry partners.

Clemente MarconiView profile

Professor

• Ancient Greek and Roman Art
• Archaic and Classical Greek Architecture
• Mediterranean Archaeology
• +4 more

Clemente Marconi is the James R. McCredie Professor in the History of Greek Art and Archaeology and University Professor at New York University's Institute of Fine Arts, as well as a Full Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Milan. His research focuses on ancient Greek and Roman art, with an emphasis on Archaic and Classical Greek architecture, Sicilian archaeology, and cultural property repatriation. He directs excavations at Selinunte, Sicily, and chairs the Seminar on Ancient Art and Archaeology. Marconi holds prestigious academic affiliations including membership in the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei and the Academia Europaea. Education: B.A. (1990) from University of Rome La Sapienza; Ph.D. (1997) from Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa. His interdisciplinary methodology integrates semiotics, anthropology, and hermeneutics to contextualize ancient art within broader cultural frameworks. Recent projects include the Selinunte excavations (since 2006) and a forthcoming exhibition on Picasso's engagement with classical antiquity. Research interests span Greek temple decoration, colonial archaeology, and the social function of monuments. Key publications include Temple Decoration and Cultural Identity in the Archaic Greek World (2007) and The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Art and Architecture (2015). His excavations at Selinunte have revealed critical insights into Punic-Greek interactions and temple biography. Professional contributions include mentoring graduate students involved in international networks, such as the American School of Classical Studies in Athens. Awards and honors reflect his disciplinary leadership, including his role as corresponding member of the German Archaeological Institute.

Dirk BrandhermView profile

Associate Professor

• Archaeology
• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Bronze Age
• +12 more

Dirk Brandherm is a Reader in the School of Natural and Built Environment at Queen’s University Belfast, where he conducts research in prehistoric archaeology with a focus on the Chalcolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages of Europe and the Mediterranean. He is actively engaged in refining chronologies through scientific dating and analyzing archaeomaterials such as metals and ceramics. Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor), School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen’s University Belfast Accepting PhD students in prehistoric archaeology, dating methods, and archaeometry Active researcher with over 112 publications and ongoing projects Editor-in-Chief, UISPP Journal; Editorial Board, Trabajos de Prehistoria His research centers on understanding societal change in later prehistory, particularly through the lens of material culture and scientific analysis. Key areas include the dynamics of Bronze Age settlements, metallurgical practices on the Atlantic facade, and the development of chronologies using radiocarbon dating. His work integrates field archaeology with laboratory-based archaeometric techniques to explore cultural developments across Western Europe and the Mediterranean. Recent publications highlight a strong trend in the study of metal artefacts, settlement systems, and water management during the Metal Ages. His research increasingly emphasizes comparative approaches, such as between Ireland and northern Britain, and integrates scientific methodologies to address broad questions of trade, technological change, and cultural interaction. Themes of resource supply, technological innovation, and ritual deposition recur throughout his work. He has been recognized with two prestigious fellowships: Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (2013) Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (2014) Dirk Brandherm has supervised PhD students and serves on editorial boards and peer review panels. He has led externally funded research projects, including the project 'Between a Rock and a Hard Place' on early metalworking tools. His academic service includes organizing conferences, delivering invited talks, and external examining at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He is actively involved in international research networks, particularly in Bronze Age studies. He is associated with editorial teams and collaborative research groups focused on prehistoric archaeology, including the UISPP (International Union for Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sciences) and the Bronze Age Forum. His network includes collaborations across Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK, reflecting the transnational nature of his research interests.

• Architecture
• Urban Planning
• Cultural Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Tomasz Malec is an Associate Professor at the International University of Sarajevo, specializing in architecture, urban planning, and cultural heritage. His research explores the intersection of cultural identity, historical preservation, and spatial development, with a focus on Jewish urbanism, Ottoman architectural influences, and Neolithic settlements. He has contributed extensively to academic writing, research methodology, and architectural pedagogy. His work spans topics such as Martian habitat design, green infrastructure in historic districts, and revitalization strategies for urban centers. Notably, he has studied the architectural evolution of Kazimierz (Cracow's Jewish district) and the impact of intangible cultural elements on built environments. While his publications emphasize theoretical frameworks and empirical studies, specific scientific awards or student advisement details are not mentioned in available records.