Geoffrey Smith

Dr. Geoffrey Smith is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent. His research focuses on zooarchaeology and the evolution of hominin subsistence behaviors, particularly analyzing Palaeolithic animal remains to understand taphonomy, site formation, and hominin adaptation. He holds a PhD from University College London and has conducted research at institutions across Europe and the USA, including the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.

Education: PhD in Palaeolithic Zooarchaeology from University College London (2010); extensive postdoctoral work at Monrepos Archaeological Research Centre (2012-2015), University of California, Davis (2016-2017), and the Max Planck Institute (2017-2022).

Research Interests: Integrating biomolecular datasets (proteomics, isotopes, ancient DNA) with traditional zooarchaeology to study subsistence practices during the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition. Key foci include micro-scale taphonomy, bacterial bioerosion, and Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS).

Recent Articles: Focus on Denisovan subsistence in China, Neanderthal diets in Morocco, and Homo sapiens migration patterns in Europe. Methodologically emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining proteomics, stable isotopes, and micro-CT scanning.

Advising & Grants: Supervises PhD students Virginie Sinet-Mathiot and Pauline Raymond on palaeoproteomics and taphonomic integration. Collaborates with institutions like the Collége de France and University of Copenhagen on interdisciplinary projects.

Labs/Teams: Active in the BACBONE project at Kent, focusing on microscopic bone analysis and histotaphonomy. Collaborates globally on sites like Bacho Kiro Cave (Bulgaria) and Fumane Cave (Italy).