Ancient Pyrotechnologies Professors and Supervisors

Yukitsugu Tabataمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

Waseda UniversityJapan

Yukitsugu Tabata is a Professor at the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Waseda University, specializing in Southeast Asian archaeology, ceramics, and cultural heritage. With a Ph.D. in Area Studies from Sophia University (2004), his career spans roles from Postdoctoral Fellow to current leadership in archaeological projects across Cambodia and Southeast Asia. Education: Ph.D. (2004, Sophia University), M.A. (1999, International Christian University), B.A. (1995, International Christian University) Professional Memberships: Japan Society for Southeast Asian Archaeology, Japanese Archaeological Association, Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association, Japan Society of Oriental Ceramic Studies Research Interests: Focus on Angkorian Khmer ceramics, socio-religious transformations in premodern Cambodia, technological evolution of stoneware production, and cross-regional trade networks. His work integrates excavation data, material analysis, and 3D documentation techniques. Publications: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters tracing ceramic production in Angkorian and post-Angkor periods, with a focus on kiln technology, trade dynamics, and cultural heritage preservation. Key contributions include studies on resource management strategies and techno-morphological approaches to stoneware. Scientific Awards: Association for Southeast Asian Archaeology Encouragement Award (2011.11) Order of Sahametray (2011.10) Grants & Projects: Recipient of multiple Japan Society for the Promotion of Science grants for studies on Angkorian architectural systems, ceramic trade networks, and cross-regional exchange between Cambodia and Japan. Leads fieldwork at critical sites like Veal Svay and Banteay Kdei temples.

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Ellery Frahmمشاهده پروفایل

مدرس

Yale UniversityUnited States

Ellery Frahm is a Senior Research Scientist and Lecturer in the Department of Anthropology at Yale University, where he serves as Director of the Yale Initiative for the Study of Ancient Pyrotechnology. His research focuses on archaeological science, examining how past human groups adapted to environmental challenges through tool production and resource utilization, particularly in Southwest Asia and the South Caucasus. He teaches courses such as 'Introduction to Archaeological Laboratory Sciences' and actively mentors undergraduate, Master's, and doctoral students in research design and publication. Dr. Frahm holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Minnesota. His work integrates geochemical and archaeological methodologies, including obsidian sourcing via portable XRF and FTIR analysis of residue on artifacts. He is affiliated with the Yale Peabody Museum, the Council on Archaeological Studies, and the Council on Middle East Studies. His research has been featured in prominent media outlets like The New York Times and National Geographic. Key scientific contributions include advancing open-source tools like SourceXplorer and PYRO sets for artifact analysis. While no specific awards are listed, his interdisciplinary approach bridges paleoenvironmental studies with technological innovation, emphasizing connectivity across ancient societies.

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Anglos Dimitriosمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

University of CreteGreece

Professor Dimitrios Anglos is a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Crete , where he has been since 2009. He is also an Associated Researcher at the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL-FORTH) , having previously served as a Researcher (2001–2009) and Postdoctoral Fellow (1995–2001) there. BSc in Chemistry (1985) from the University of Athens, Greece PhD in Physical Chemistry (1994) from Cornell University, USA His research focuses on photophysics of molecules and nanomaterials for sensing applications and the development of mobile laser spectroscopic instruments (LIF, LIBS, Raman) for in situ analysis in fields like cultural heritage preservation and industrial monitoring . Recent publications highlight his work with ZnO/polymer hybrids, carbon nanomaterials, and portable spectrometers for pigment and biomolecule analysis. While no explicit scientific awards are listed, his leadership in integrating advanced spectroscopic techniques and contributions to interdisciplinary projects in archaeology and materials science underscore his impact.

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Francesco Bernaمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

Simon Fraser UniversityCanada

Francesco Berna is an Assistant Professor of Archaeological Science at Simon Fraser University's Department of Archaeology. He specializes in geoarchaeological methods, particularly Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIR), applied to understanding human use of fire, ancient pyrotechnologies, and site formation processes. His research focuses on the origin of modern human behavior and prehistoric adaptations in Africa, the Near East, and the Mediterranean. Education: BSc and PhD from the University of Florence, Italy, followed by postdoctoral research at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel. His fieldwork spans excavations at Wonderwork Cave (South Africa), Manot Cave (Israel), and Beisamoun (Levant), investigating Early Stone Age, Middle Paleolithic, and Neolithic contexts. Research interests include combustion feature analysis, lithic technology, and environmental archaeology. He has pioneered methodologies for studying prehistoric fire use through microstratigraphic and geochemical approaches, contributing to debates about hominin cognitive evolution and cultural innovation. Key Projects: Early human fire use at Koobi Fora (Kenya) and Wonderwerk Cave Manot Cave Upper Paleolithic chronology Pre-Pottery Neolithic cremation practices in the Levant Awards: Marie Curie Fellowships (2001, 2006) Teaching: Directs laboratory/field research courses for graduate students Labs/Teams: Leads SFU's Archaeological Science lab focusing on microspectroscopy and experimental archaeology. Collaborates internationally with institutions in Israel, South Africa, and Italy.

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Torsten Rüngerمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of BonnGermany

Torsten Rünger is a researcher in the Department of Prehistoric and Early History Archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology, University of Bonn. He has held various research and teaching positions at the university since 2011, and since October 2023 has served as a scientific staff member. He earned his M.A. and PhD from the same institution, focusing on medieval rural settlements and watermills. His research interests include Medieval Archaeology, Landscape Archaeology, Mining Archaeology, Roman Pottery Production, and the social structures of rural settlements. He is particularly known for his work on watermills as expressions of power and economic control in the medieval Rhineland. The recent publications of Torsten Rünger reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary landscape archaeology, combining excavation, survey, and digital modeling to understand economic and social structures in both the Roman and medieval periods. His work spans from local Rhineland sites to international projects in Iraqi Kurdistan, emphasizing technological development, resource exploitation, and cultural continuity. Albert-Steeger-Preis des LVR 2018 für die Dissertationsschrift Postdoc-Forschungsstipendiat der Fritz Thyssen Stiftung (2019) Promotionsstipendium der Stiftung zur Förderung der Archäologie im Rheinischen Braunkohlenrevier (2014–2016) Dr. Rünger has actively supervised and tutored students at the University of Bonn, serving as an academic tutor and organizing numerous teaching excavations, particularly in the montane region of Königswinter-Bennerscheid. He has been involved in externally funded research projects supported by organizations such as the DFG, the Fritz Thyssen Foundation, and regional archaeological foundations. His work often involves collaboration with institutions like the LVR-Amt für Bodendenkmalpflege. He has led and co-organized field schools and research teams focused on mining archaeology and rural settlement patterns, contributing to both academic knowledge and public archaeology through exhibitions and outreach.

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Thomas R. Fennمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

University of OklahomaUnited States

Thomas R. Fenn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Oklahoma, specializing in archaeological sciences with a focus on ancient pyrotechnologies and trade networks across multiple continents. His research spans Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, East Asia, and the American Southwest, examining metallurgical practices, glass production, and cremation rituals through advanced analytical techniques. Ph.D. from the University of Arizona (2011) NSF-funded research on Indian glass production Active projects in Tunisia, Mongolia, Thailand, and Mexico Key research areas include: Provenance analysis using isotopic methods Archaeometallurgy and material exchange 3D photogrammetry for artifact documentation Mortuary practices in Neo-Punic Tunisia Prehistoric cremation pyrotechnology His recent publications (2022-2024) analyze: Ancient Indian glass production centers Tunisian tophet burials North Mexican cremation practices Thai bead exchange systems Alaskan pre-contact glass beads Teaching experience covers world archaeology, ancient civilizations, and specialized archaeological sciences courses. He actively involves students in field and laboratory research while employing cutting-edge analytical methods like LA-ICP-MS and SEM.

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Christophe Snoeckمشاهده پروفایل

استاد پژوهشی

Vrije Universiteit BrusselBelgium

Christophe Snoeck is a Research Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Head of the Brussels Bioarchaeology Lab (BB-LAB) . Combining interdisciplinary expertise in archaeology and isotope geochemistry , he specializes in extracting information from isotopic and elemental signatures in archaeological bones and teeth. Education: DPhil (PhD) in Archaeological Science, University of Oxford (2015) MSc in Archaeological Science, University of Oxford (2011) MSc in Chemical and Materials Engineering, Université Libre de Bruxelles (2010) His research focuses on: Cremation studies : Analyzing cremated remains to understand funerary practices, mobility, and environmental conditions Strontium isotopes : Developing biologically available isoscapes for Europe Isotopic proxies : Reconstructing diet, migration, and landscape use through bone and tooth bioapatite Multi-disciplinary approaches : Integrating geochemistry, archaeology, and database development (IsoArcH) Recent publications highlight methodological advances in Sr analysis, experimental cremation studies, and mobility patterns across European prehistory. He leads the CRUMBEL project (Belgian Excellence of Science program) and the ERC-funded LUMIERE initiative. Scientific Awards: 1st Prize for podium presentation in young researchers category (2024) 1st prize for poster presentation in young researchers category (2024) BioArCh 'Gamechanger' prize (2024) Bone Diagenesis 2021 Best student poster Early Career Researcher Best Poster Prize (2024)

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Maria Philokyprouمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

University of CyprusCyprus

Maria Philokyprou serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at the University of Cyprus, where she teaches Vernacular Architecture and History of Architecture. Her academic journey includes an Architecture degree from National Metsovion Technical University (Athens), an MSc in Architectural Conservation with distinction from Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh, 1992), and a PhD in History of Architecture from the University of Cyprus (2000). Her research centers on architectural conservation and vernacular architecture, with specific expertise in Cypriot vernacular traditions, environmental performance analysis, traditional building materials, and sustainable adaptation of historical techniques. She bridges historical scholarship with contemporary sustainability challenges through empirical analysis of thermal performance, lighting, and material science in Mediterranean contexts. Recent publications reveal a cohesive research trajectory focused on quantifying environmental benefits of vernacular design principles, particularly in Cyprus' diverse geographical settings. Her work demonstrates how traditional semi-open spaces, building orientations, and material selections achieve passive climate control, with direct applications for modern sustainable architecture. Scientific recognition includes: Europa Nostra award (1999) for Monastery of Panagia tou Sindi conservation St. Stourna and A. Samaras academic excellence prizes Evgenides Foundation Scholarship for top Metsovion graduate As principal investigator, she secured €250,000+ in research funding from the Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation and University of Cyprus for projects including sustainable vernacular design implementation (€68,000), bioclimatic conservation methods for Nicosia (€100,000), and the VernArch digital database for Cypriot vernacular architecture (€82,000). Her conservation practice since 2001 includes Town Planning Department service and award-winning historic building projects. She leads the VernArch research initiative (www.vernarch.ac.cy), establishing Cyprus' first comprehensive digital repository of vernacular architectural heritage while directing field studies on traditional building technologies across coastal, lowland, and mountainous regions.

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Ann Brysbaertمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

Leiden UniversityNetherlands

Ann Brysbaert is a Professor of Ancient Technologies, Crafts, and Materials at the Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University. Her research focuses on pre-industrial technologies, monumental architecture, and social practices in the Bronze Age Aegean and East Mediterranean. She leads the ERC Consolidator Grant-funded SETinSTONE project (2015–2020), investigating resource usage in Mycenaean architecture. Education: PhD in Archaeological Sciences, University of Glasgow (2000–2004) M.A. in Archaeology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (1987–1992) BSc in Archaeological Conservation, University College London (1993–1996) Research Interests: Brysbaert's work integrates science-based studies with theoretical approaches, focusing on pyrotechnologies, painted plaster, and workshop contexts. She explores cross-craft interactions, knowledge networks, and the socio-economic impacts of monumental architecture. Awards and Grants: ERC Consolidator Grant (€2.5M) Leverhulme Research Grant (£1.8M) Senior Marie Curie–Gerda Henkel Fellowship Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship Advising and Labs: Supervises PhD candidates including Maribel Dorka-Moreno and Riia Timonen. Her research teams collaborate on projects like Shaping Cultural Landscapes and Tracing Prehistoric Networks.

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Dimitrios Anglosمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

University of CreteGreece

Dimitrios Anglos is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Crete, appointed as an Associate Professor in 2009 and promoted to Professor in 2017. He is also an associate faculty member at the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IESL-FORTH), where he worked as a Researcher (2001-2009) and a postdoctoral fellow (1995-2001). His research focuses on laser spectroscopic techniques and their applications in materials science and cultural heritage. Education: B.A. in Chemistry (1985) from the University of Athens Ph.D. in Photoinduced Intramolecular Electron Transfer (1994) from Cornell University His research group investigates photophysics in molecules and nanomaterials for sensing applications, such as ZnO/polymer hybrids and carbon nanomaterials, while developing mobile laser spectroscopic instrumentation for cultural heritage and industrial monitoring. Recent publications highlight his work on LIBS, SERS, and hybrid spectrometers for diverse analytical tasks. Anglos leads laboratory efforts at the University of Crete (Office C214/Lab IT) and collaborates with IESL-FORTH. His team integrates LIBS with mass spectrometry for simultaneous elemental and molecular analysis, advancing portable solutions for on-site material characterization.

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Silvia Amiconeمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

University of TübingenGermany

Dr. Silvia Amicone is a Researcher at the University of Tübingen with dual affiliations: the Competence Center Archaeometry – Baden-Württemberg (CCA-BW) (Faculty of Science) and the Institute for Prehistory and Early History and Medieval Archaeology (Faculty of Humanities). She also holds an Honorary Research Associate position at University College London's Institute of Archaeology. Education: PhD (2012–2017) and MSc (2010–2011) at University College London; MA (2006–2009) and BA (2002–2006) in Archaeology and Classics at Università degli Studi di Milano. Research Focus: Silvia specializes in archaeometric analysis of ceramics , with emphasis on pottery technology, pyrotechnology, and material culture across Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Iron Age sites in Europe, the Near East, and the Mediterranean. Her work bridges technical studies of pottery production with broader socio-economic questions about cultural transmission, innovation, and identity. Recent Article Trends: Her publications from 2023–2025 explore interdisciplinary approaches to pottery kilns (e.g., Campus Galli), Phoenician plaster technology (Tell el-Burak), kohl recipes in Iron Age Iran, and regional ceramic traditions in Kazakhstan and the Carpathian Basin. These studies highlight her expertise in experimental archaeology , geochemical characterization , and intercultural material exchanges . Collaborative Networks: Silvia actively collaborates with institutions like Curt-Engelhorn-Zentrum Archäometrie (Germany), Institute of Archaeology (UCL), and the Oxbow Books series. Her work spans fieldwork (e.g., Iraqi Kurdistan, Lebanon, Serbia), laboratory analysis (XRF, petrography), and theoretical frameworks addressing collapse, survival, and social transformations.

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