Michaela Ecker

Dr. Michaela Ecker is a research-focused academic at the Institute of Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology, University of Kiel, Germany. She leads the DFG-funded Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Group 'Kgalagadi Human Origins (KHO)' from 2021 to 2027, following a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship at the same institution (2019–2021). Her academic journey includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Toronto and teaching experience at Oxford Brookes University.

• D.Phil in Archaeological Science, University of Oxford (2012–2016)
• Magister Artium, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen (2006–2011)

Her research centers on reconstructing long-term environmental change and its impact on early human evolution, utilizing methods such as stable isotope analysis of faunal remains and sedimentary records from key archaeological sites like Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa. Her work integrates geochemistry, archaeology, and paleoclimatology to understand human adaptation in arid environments over millions of years.

Dr. Ecker’s research is supported by prestigious grants, including the DFG Emmy Noether Programme and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, indicating high recognition in her field. While specific publications and advisees are not listed in the provided text, her leadership of an independent research group implies active supervision and collaboration.

• DFG Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Group Grant
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship

She is involved in major research initiatives such as the 'Scales of Transformation' and the Cluster ROOTS at Kiel University, contributing to interdisciplinary studies on human-environment dynamics. Her project 'Kgalagadi Human Origins' (kho-project.com) focuses on human resilience and adaptation in the Kgalagadi region, combining fieldwork and laboratory analysis.