Nathan Wales

Dr Nathan Wales is a Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of York, affiliated with the School of Natural Sciences and leading the ancient genetics group at BioArCh. He holds roles including ACCE Doctoral Training Partnership representative (2019–present), Subject Facilitator for Archaeology (2021–present), and Pathway Leader for Archaeology/Biology/Environment (2021–present). His research focuses on ancient DNA analysis of plant domestication and crop utilization, particularly maize, grapevine, and sunflower. He has pioneered methods for optimizing DNA extraction from ancient seeds and collaborates on projects like the Hidden Frontiers initiative and Rethinking the Green Revolution in the Western Mediterranean.

Education includes a BS in Anthropology/Sociology (Truman State University, 2005), MA and PhD in Anthropology (University of Connecticut, 2008 and 2012), with postdoctoral training at the University of Copenhagen, UC Berkeley, and Université Toulouse III. His work bridges archaeology and genetics, addressing questions about human impact on plant evolution. Teaching responsibilities include modules on archaeological science and ancient biomolecules.

Key projects include investigating plant domestication trajectories and optimizing methods for analyzing precious archaeological materials. His interdisciplinary approach integrates genomic, morphometric, and archaeological data to uncover historical agricultural practices and crop migration patterns.