Jon Prangnell

Associate Professor Jon Prangnell serves as Honorary Associate Professor and Deputy Head of the School of Social Science at the University of Queensland. His academic leadership extends across historical archaeology research and cultural heritage management initiatives within the School's structure.

Prangnell's research spans colonial archaeology, bioarchaeology, and cultural heritage management with particular focus on Australian contexts. His work examines material culture from Brisbane burial grounds, Queensland goldfields, and leprosy colonies like Peel Island, revealing insights into working-class life, spatial control mechanisms, and colonial power structures. Key interests include:

• Historical archaeology of institutional settings
• Material culture analysis of textiles and domestic artifacts
• Forensic methods for burial site analysis
• Colonial frontier interactions
• Heritage management policy implementation

His publication trends reflect consistent engagement with Australian historical archaeology, showing increasing interdisciplinary collaboration since 2010. Recent work integrates South Sea Islander archaeology and social action frameworks for addressing inequalities, demonstrating evolution toward community-centered approaches.

Prangnell has contributed significantly to cultural heritage reports through the University of Queensland Archaeological Services Unit (UQASU), conducting numerous field surveys and technical assessments across Queensland. His leadership as Deputy Head of School facilitates institutional research direction while maintaining active field engagement.