Carly Henkel

Carly Henkel is a PhD student and Graduate Research Fellow at The Cyprus Institute's Science and Technology in Archaeology Research Center (STARC). She holds a B.A. (Distinction) in Archaeology and Medieval Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada, and an M.Sc. (Distinction) in Archaeology (Archaeobotany) from Leiden University, Netherlands. Her research focuses on the role of plants in the ritual landscapes of Bronze Age Crete, marking the first doctoral study dedicated exclusively to archaeobotanical analysis of the island. She has conducted fieldwork across Crete and the Aegean, including excavations at Gournia, Pelekita, Keros, and Mochlos.

Her professional experience includes roles as a contract archaeologist with the Institute for Aegean Prehistory Study Center in East Crete (INSTAP SCEC), contributing to projects spanning Neolithic to Bronze Age sites. Carly’s work integrates archaeological, botanical, and environmental data to explore human-plant interactions and ritual practices in ancient Cretan societies.

Her academic achievements include a thesis nominated for Leiden University’s prestigious Masters Thesis Award. Current research emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches to understanding agricultural practices, ritual spaces, and cultural identity through archaeobotanical remains.