Emily Ruiz Puerta

Emily Ruiz Puerta is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Arctic Centre, University of Groningen (Faculty of Arts, Arctic and Antarctic studies department) and a Guest Researcher at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen. Her work focuses on ancient and modern genomics with a specialization in Arctic archaeology and anthropological studies under the ArcHeritage network.

Dr. Ruiz Puerta earned her PhD in Ancient Genomics and Arctic Archaeology from the University of Groningen in October 2024, with her dissertation titled "The use of ancient genomes to unveil the evolutionary history and social implications of Atlantic walruses hunting during the last 5000 years in the Arctic." She previously completed a Master's degree in Sustainability, Conservation, and Spatial Planning from AgroParisTech and the MNHN of Paris, following her Bachelor's in Biology from Universidad Cayetano Heredia, Peru.

Her research interests center on understanding genetic adaptations of species through ecological and archaeological lenses. Dr. Ruiz Puerta has conducted international research internships focused on genetic adaptation in various species, including camels, South American fur seals, and Atlantic walruses. She has developed a particular interest in human-animal-environment interactions through an anthropological lens. Her work aims to connect the past with the present to inform sustainable futures, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental protection and biodiversity.

Dr. Ruiz Puerta's research output demonstrates a strong focus on Arctic ecosystems, particularly examining the evolutionary history and human impact on marine mammal populations. Her work combines ancient DNA analysis with archaeological evidence to understand how climate change and human activities have shaped biodiversity in the Arctic region over millennia. She has made significant contributions to our understanding of walrus population dynamics, Norse exploitation patterns, and the broader implications for conservation biology.

• Stu Innes memorial student Travel Bursary (2022)

Dr. Ruiz Puerta has been actively involved in the ArcHeritage network and was previously part of the MSCA-EU SeaChanges project (2019-2023), which investigated thresholds in human exploitation of marine vertebrates. Her work involves collaboration with Canadian Inuit communities, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific methods to locate archaeological sites and understand ancestral hunting practices.

As part of the Arctic Centre at the University of Groningen, Dr. Ruiz Puerta works within a multidisciplinary team focused on Arctic research, contributing to our understanding of how past environmental changes can inform future climate adaptation strategies.