Ronald M. Visser

Ronald M. Visser is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Saxion University of Applied Sciences within the School of Building, Business and Technology in Enschede, Netherlands. Holding a PhD, he has established expertise at the intersection of traditional archaeology with digital and computational methodologies. His work bridges academic research with practical applications in cultural heritage management.

Dr. Visser's research spans multiple interconnected domains:

• Roman Archaeology focusing on German provinces and resource management
• Dendrochronology and wood studies examining timber provision in the Roman Empire
• Digital archaeology incorporating network analysis and agent-based modeling
• Archaeological education methodology and open educational resources
• Landscape and conflict archaeology examining spatial patterns

His recent publications (2021-2025) reveal a strong trend toward interdisciplinary approaches that combine dendrochronological data with network science to understand Roman timber trade networks. He has pioneered computational tools like dendroNetwork, an R-package for analyzing dendrochronological series through network visualization. His work often involves international collaborations with German (hessenARCHÄOLOGIE), British (Winchester University), and Danish institutions, particularly through summer field schools at the Keltenwelt site at Glauberg.

Dr. Visser's research demonstrates practical applications in understanding historical resource management systems, particularly how wood—the most critical resource in the Roman period—was sourced, transported, and utilized along the Rhine frontier. His approach consistently emphasizes making research both "fun and useful" while maintaining rigorous academic standards. His collaborative network spans institutions globally including Harvard Medical School, University of Cambridge, and University of Copenhagen, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work.