Rory Dennison

Rory Dennison is an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Illinois Chicago, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His academic work bridges archaeology and anthropological research, with a strong focus on pre-modern trade dynamics in East and Southeast Asia.

His research interests include:

• Long-distance trade and exchange networks
• Archaeological chemistry and material sourcing
• Pre-colonial economic systems in Asia
• Use of scientific instrumentation in archaeology (LA-ICP-MS)
• Complex societies in historical context

Dennison's methodological approach integrates fieldwork with laboratory analysis, particularly using porcelain and tradeware ceramics to reconstruct economic and social interactions between Fujian, China, and the Philippines from the 9th to early 16th centuries. His work emphasizes not only the movement of goods but also how individuals navigated and adapted within these expansive networks.

He has conducted multiple field seasons in both China and the Philippines to collect samples and study archaeological sites. While no publications are listed in the provided text, his ongoing dissertation research suggests active scholarly development in this niche of historical archaeology.

His recognized scientific contributions include the application of advanced chemical analysis to ceramic artifacts, contributing to more precise sourcing and network modeling in Asian archaeology.

Rory Dennison advises students in anthropology and archaeology at UIC, though specific advisees are not listed. He is involved in field-based research projects and integrates hands-on scientific methods into his academic practice. His work may be supported by research grants related to archaeological science and international fieldwork, though specific funding sources are not mentioned.

He is associated with archaeological research teams conducting fieldwork in southern China and the Philippines, focusing on trade-related sites and ceramic assemblages.