Radu Iovita is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at New York University. Previously, he held positions at the University of Tübingen (until 2023) and the Leibniz Research Institute for Archaeology in Germany. His research focuses on Paleolithic archaeology, human-environmental interactions, and stone tool technology, with a specific emphasis on the Eurasian loess steppe. He leads the EU-funded PALAEOSILKROAD project in Kazakhstan, investigating human dispersals during the Late Pleistocene. His Anthrotopography lab combines microscopic analysis of tool use and remote sensing to reconstruct past landscapes. Education: PhD in Anthropology (University of Pennsylvania, 2008), MPhil in Archaeology (University of Cambridge, 2002), AB in Anthropology (Harvard University, 2001). Key grants include an ERC Starting Grant (2017–2022). Research interests span lithic technology, experimental archaeology, and geoarchaeological methods. Recent work includes discoveries of Paleolithic sites in Kazakhstan, studies on Neanderthal adhesive use, and AI-driven analysis of use-wear patterns. Collaborations involve institutions like ETH Zurich and the University of Tübingen. He is actively involved in field projects in Central Asia and lab-based experimental studies.
Alex Liu is a Researcher at the Department of Earth Sciences within the University of Cambridge. He specializes in palaeobiology , focusing on the origin and early evolution of animals, particularly the Ediacaran biota (~579–539 million years ago), and their co-evolution with Earth's environment. Research Focus: Refines understanding of animal body plan evolution, taphonomy, sedimentology, and macroevolutionary trends. Methodologies: Combines fieldwork, experimental studies, petrology, phylogenetics, and big-data analyses. Collaborations: Works with international museums and research teams on fossil sites in Namibia, Canada, and Brazil. Additional Interests: Explores meiofaunal evolution, paleogeography, paleoclimate, and conservation paleobiology. He supervises Cambridge NERC Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA) projects and welcomes student contributions to taxonomic, paleoecological, and analytical studies.
Dr. April Nowell is a Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Victoria's Faculty of Social Sciences, specializing in Paleolithic archaeology, cognitive archaeology, and the archaeology of children. Currently on leave, she leads internationally recognized research projects across Europe, the Levant, Australia, and Africa while actively accepting graduate students. She earned her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and has developed expertise in Neanderthal lifeways, Paleolithic art, and hominin life histories. Her academic journey reflects deep engagement with both theoretical frameworks and fieldwork across diverse geographical contexts. Nowell's research examines how prehistoric societies structured knowledge transmission, childhood development, and symbolic expression. Her groundbreaking work on finger flutings in Australian caves reveals children's roles in Paleolithic storytelling traditions, while her analysis of Levantine wetland ecosystems demonstrates how Pleistocene humans adapted to environmental shifts. She challenges conventional narratives about Neanderthal cognition and has pioneered methodologies for reconstructing prehistoric childhood experiences through skeletal and material evidence. Her recent publications show consistent innovation in archaeological methodology, particularly in digital documentation of rock art and interdisciplinary approaches to human development. Key trends include integrating bioarchaeological data with cognitive models, examining material culture as evidence of social learning, and analyzing environmental archives to understand human dispersal patterns. Her scientific recognition includes: 2023 EAA Book Prize for Growing Up in the Ice Age: Fossil and Archaeological Evidence of the Lived Lives of Plio-Pleistocene Children Nowell secures major research funding including Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grants supporting her Azraq Basin project in Jordan and Koonalda Cave research in Australia. She mentors graduate students in Paleolithic theory while collaborating with Indigenous communities and international scholars on field projects spanning five continents. Her work bridges academic research and public engagement through TEDx talks and media appearances examining science communication. She directs field programs at Jordan's Azraq Basin wetlands and Australia's Koonalda Cave, working with multidisciplinary teams including geochronologists, bioarchaeologists, and Traditional Owners to investigate Pleistocene human adaptation and cultural transmission.
Sara Pruss is the Esther Cloudman Dunn Professor of Geosciences at Smith College, where she has established herself as a leading researcher in geobiology and paleontology. Her work focuses on critical transitions in Earth's history, particularly mass extinctions and the evolution of early life forms. She maintains an active research program that combines field work, laboratory analysis, and theoretical approaches to understand the complex interactions between life and Earth's environments through geological time. Education: Ph.D., University of Southern California M.S., University of Southern California B.S., University of Rochester Professor Pruss's research spans several interconnected areas within geobiology and paleontology. Her primary focus is on understanding mass extinction events, particularly the end-Permian extinction and Cambrian-Ordovician transitions. She investigates how these events affected marine ecosystems and the subsequent recovery patterns. Her work on Neoproterozoic carbonates and early animal evolution has provided important insights into the environmental conditions that facilitated the emergence of complex life. Professor Pruss also examines microbial sedimentary structures and their implications for interpreting ancient environments. Her research often combines detailed field observations with geochemical analyses to reconstruct paleoenvironments and understand the taphonomic processes that affect fossil preservation. Analysis of Professor Pruss's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on critical transitions in Earth's history. Her work spans the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary, the Cambrian-Ordovician transition, and the Permian-Triassic extinction. A recurring theme is the relationship between environmental changes (particularly oxygenation and redox conditions) and biological evolution. Her research increasingly incorporates geochemical proxies like mercury chemostratigraphy to identify potential volcanic triggers for extinction events. The geographical scope of her work is global, with field sites in North America, Scotland, Namibia, and the Arctic. Scientific Awards: Outstanding Contributions to Geobiosciences by the Society for Geobiology and Geomicrobiology (2014) Sherrerd Prize for Distinguished Teaching by Smith College (2015) Professor Pruss has mentored numerous undergraduate students through her research lab at Smith College. Several of her former students, including Katie Castagno, Jana Burke, Kelsey Moore, Sophie Westacott, and Kiara Gomez, have gone on to earn PhDs from prestigious institutions like MIT, Yale, and Woods Hole. Her research has been consistently supported by major funding agencies including the National Science Foundation and the National Geographic Society. Beyond her research mentorship, Professor Pruss has been actively involved in programs aimed at supporting underrepresented women in STEM fields, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive excellence in science education. Professor Pruss leads an active research laboratory at Smith College that combines field, laboratory, and analytical approaches to geobiological research. Her lab has produced numerous publications with undergraduate co-authors, reflecting Smith's strong emphasis on undergraduate research. The lab's work often involves international collaborations with researchers from institutions around the world. Current research directions include investigating the relationship between oxygenation and early animal evolution, studying microbial influences on sedimentary structures, and examining the environmental triggers for major extinction events throughout Earth's history.
Sarah Newman is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Social Sciences at the University of Chicago's College and serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies. She holds a PhD from Brown University (2015). Her research integrates archaeological, historical, and art historical methods to examine themes such as waste, human-animal relationships, and long-term landscape transformations in Mesoamerica and beyond. Key projects include the Invisible Landscapes initiative, co-directed with Felipe Rojas and Eduardo Góes Neves, which explores anthropogenic landscapes through multidisciplinary collaboration. Newman’s fieldwork in Jordan investigates water management systems near Petra, while her Maya-focused studies address zooarchaeology, sensory experiences, and knowledge systems. Her monograph Unmaking Waste: New Histories of Old Things (2023) redefines waste as a culturally contingent concept, challenging Eurocentric narratives through cross-cultural comparisons. A current book project, Animal Archaeology , extends archaeological methodologies to non-human histories. Newman’s affiliations include the Committee on Environment, Geography, and Urbanization, the Institute for the Formation of Knowledge, and the Center for Latin American Studies. Publications span topics from Classic Maya animal categories to Neolithic sites in Jordan. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, including remote sensing and 3D imaging technologies. Recent research explores sensory archaeology, particularly olfactory practices in Mesoamerica, and critiques traditional archaeological frameworks through comparative global perspectives.
Gideon Hartman is an Associate Professor in the Anthropology Department at the University of Connecticut, where he conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of paleoenvironmental reconstruction, plant and animal eco-physiology, anthropology, and archaeology. His work primarily employs stable isotope methods to reconstruct past environments, human mobility patterns, paleodiets, and ancient economic systems. Dr. Hartman received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 2008. His educational foundation in anthropology and archaeological science has enabled his innovative approach to stable isotope analysis. Rather than treating isotopic values as static markers, he investigates the mechanisms causing variability in stable isotope ratios as they move along foodwebs from soil and atmosphere to plants and then to animals and humans. Hartman's research program uniquely begins in the contemporary world to establish principles that can be reliably applied to archaeological settings. His work spans diverse geographical regions including the Eastern Mediterranean, Levant, Jordan Valley, and Armenian Highlands, with temporal coverage from the Middle Pleistocene to the Early Bronze Age. He has made significant contributions to understanding how environmental factors like water availability, temperature, and soil conditions affect isotopic signatures in modern ecosystems, creating robust models for archaeological interpretation. His publication record demonstrates consistent productivity in high-impact journals, with research trends showing increasing sophistication in multi-isotope approaches applied to complex archaeological questions about pastoralism, trade networks, human migration, and human-environment interactions. His work increasingly integrates zooarchaeological, archaeobotanical, and geochemical evidence to build comprehensive pictures of past societies. As director of the Stable Isotope Preparation Lab at UConn, Hartman leads a research team that processes and analyzes samples from archaeological sites worldwide. His laboratory serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration between archaeologists, anthropologists, geoscientists, and biologists seeking to apply isotopic methods to their research questions. His work has been instrumental in refining methodologies for interpreting strontium, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotope data in archaeological contexts, particularly regarding animal and human mobility patterns in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
G. Evelyn Hutchinson Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences at Yale University and Curator of the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. Research focuses on exceptional fossil preservation and its evolutionary significance. Investigates decay processes, mineralization mechanisms, and fossilization conditions through experimental approaches and field studies. Major discoveries include insights into Burgess Shale-type preservation and color reconstruction in fossils. Recipient of the Paleontological Society Medal. Current research explores molecular preservation in ancient tissues and biophotonic structures in fossil insects. Supervises large team of postdoctoral researchers and graduate students at Yale Paleobiology Group.
Dr. Viola C. Schmid is a postdoctoral researcher in the Quaternary Archaeology research group at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAI) in Vienna, with additional teaching roles at the University of Tübingen and University of Vienna. She earned her master's degree in 2013 and completed a binational PhD magna cum laude in 2019 through a joint program between the Universities of Tübingen and Paris Nanterre. Her career includes research positions at the University of Geneva (2019), ÖAI (2020-2021), and Leiden University (2021-2022), before returning to ÖAI in October 2022. Her research explores prehistoric archaeology across Africa and Europe, focusing on human evolution during the Pleistocene. Key interests include: Population dynamics and knowledge transfer in hunter-gatherer societies Technological systems development in Paleolithic and Mesolithic contexts Middle and Later Stone Age site excavations Reanalysis of archaeological collections using modern methods Schmid's publications primarily investigate lithic technology evolution, site formation processes, and Middle Stone Age adaptations in Africa and Europe. Her work frequently employs experimental approaches and interdisciplinary methods to analyze raw material sourcing, tool production techniques, and cultural transitions. Research sites span South Africa (Umhlatuzana, Diepkloof), Senegal (Toumboura III), Austria (Csaterberg), and Germany (Swabian Jura caves). While no scientific awards are documented, she actively contributes to international projects like the South African Middle Stone Age research during MIS 5 and the Peuplement humain et paléoenvironnement en Afrique program. Her grants and students are not specified in available materials. At ÖAI, she collaborates within the Quaternary Archaeology research group, focusing on Pleistocene human-environment interactions. She maintains academic networks through co-authorships with researchers across Europe and Africa, particularly in lithic technology and Paleolithic site analysis.
Brian Pickles is an active academic researcher affiliated with the University of Reading, School of Biological Sciences, where he contributes to research in ecology, mycorrhizal symbioses, and environmental conservation. His work spans forest ecology, urban biodiversity, paleontology, and forensic science, reflecting a highly interdisciplinary approach to ecological challenges. University: University of Reading School: School of Biological Sciences Department: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Academic Rank: Senior Lecturer His research focuses on mycorrhizal fungi and their role in plant-soil interactions, forest resilience under climate change, and biodiversity conservation. He investigates how ectomycorrhizal networks influence tree communities, how urban trees affect microclimates, and how decomposition processes alter soil ecosystems. His work integrates field experiments, molecular ecology, and remote sensing techniques. Recent publications show a strong trend in applying ecological theory to practical conservation, including reptile habitat management, invasive species policy, and urban green space planning. His studies often employ robust experimental designs such as before-after control-impact (BACI) and leverage large collaborative networks. Brian Pickles has co-authored numerous high-impact papers in journals like New Phytologist , Proceedings of the Royal Society B , and Frontiers in Forests and Global Change . His work on ectomycorrhizal networks, forest carbon dynamics, and urban tree radiative performance demonstrates both theoretical depth and applied relevance. He has also contributed book chapters on mycorrhizal mediation of soil processes and spatial ecology of fungal communities. Brian Pickles collaborates extensively with researchers across the UK, Canada, and globally. Notable collaborators include Suzanne Simard, Melanie D. Hart, Ian C. Anderson, and Miranda M. Hart. These collaborations span topics from fungal community assembly to inter-plant communication via mycorrhizal networks. No formal scientific awards or prizes are mentioned in the provided text. However, his consistent publication record in top-tier journals suggests recognition within the ecological research community. Brian Pickles contributes to research grants and collaborative projects focused on forest resilience, urban ecology, and soil biodiversity, though specific grant titles or funding bodies are not listed. His leadership in experimental design and data interpretation indicates an active role in securing and managing research funding. He is involved in several research teams and labs, particularly those focused on mycorrhizal ecology and forest dynamics. His work with the Simard Lab (University of British Columbia) and collaborations with UK-based environmental monitoring groups highlight his integration into major ecological research networks. He also contributes to urban ecology initiatives using remote sensing and ground-based validation.
Briana L. Pobiner is an Associate Research Professor affiliated with the National Museum of Natural History. Her research focuses on paleoanthropology, zooarchaeology, and taphonomy, with a regional specialization in Africa. She investigates early human diets, particularly the role of meat-eating, using bone surface modifications to analyze interactions between hominins, predators, and scavengers. Her fieldwork spans Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Romania, and the U.S., including projects at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Olorgesailie, Engare Sero, and Friesenhahn Cave. Education: Ph.D. in Anthropology (2007, Rutgers University), M.A. Anthropology (2002, Rutgers), B.A. Evolutionary Studies (1997, Bryn Mawr College, magna cum laude). Teaching includes courses on archaeological methods, biological anthropology pedagogy, and science communication. She has received prestigious awards for outreach, including the 2021 Leakey Foundation Communication Award and Friend of Darwin Award. Research interests emphasize experimental taphonomy, Pleistocene subsistence strategies, and science education. Over 50 peer-reviewed publications span topics from bone modification analysis to human evolution pedagogy. Active projects include taphonomic surveys in Kenya and Romania, and collaborations on early hominin fossil sites. Her work bridges empirical field research with public engagement, advocating for accurate evolution education in schools and museums.
Marta San Millán Alonso is a Lecturer in the Department of Medical Sciences at the University of Girona, Faculty of Medicine. She specializes in Human Anatomy and Embryology and is an active member of the NEOMA Research Group (Clinical Anatomy, Embryology, and Neuroscience). Her academic journey began with a biology degree, followed by a competitive Master’s in Physical Anthropology and an FPU-funded PhD from the University of Barcelona, awarded cum laude and with international distinction. Her educational background includes: Bachelor’s in Biology Interuniversity Master’s in Physical Anthropology (with top-tier thesis) PhD in Anatomy and Embryology (University of Barcelona, FPU scholarship, cum laude, international mention) Postgraduate training in soft tissue anatomy and dissection techniques (University of Girona) Her research bridges human anatomy with applications in forensic medicine , clinical anatomy , and public health . She has developed pioneering anatomical databases and conducts research on acetabular anatomy and senescence. Her work in medical education includes over 800 hours of teaching training and participation in educational innovation networks at UdG. The trends in her recent publications show a strong focus on interdisciplinary anatomy, combining detailed morphological studies with clinical, forensic, and public health implications. Her work frequently involves collaboration across institutions and countries, utilizing both cadaveric and population-based studies. Her scientific awards include: FPU Grant (University Teaching Staff Training) PhD with Excellent Cum Laude and International Mention Competitive Postgraduate Scholarship Recognition for top Master’s thesis Marta is actively involved in mentoring, currently co-directing a PhD thesis on acetabular labrum anatomy, which has secured funding from SECOT+FEA. She has participated in numerous funded research projects and educational innovation initiatives. Her teaching spans multiple disciplines including Medicine, Biomedicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Biomedical Engineering, reflecting her adaptability and commitment to pedagogy. She is also engaged in national and international conferences, often serving on scientific and organizing committees. She is a core member of the NEOMA research group, where she contributes to projects integrating experimental neurophysiology and clinical anatomy. Her lab work emphasizes anatomical dissection, morphometric analysis, and the development of teaching and research databases. Future work continues to explore the functional and clinical implications of anatomical variations, particularly in the hip joint and pelvic region.
Michael Chazan is a Professor at the University of Toronto, Department of Anthropology. His research focuses on the Paleolithic periods of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, with expertise in lithic analysis, paleoarchaeology, and the history of archaeology. PhD, Yale University (1992) His work explores early human technological evolution, including the transition from Lower to Middle Paleolithic, fire use in Wonderwerk Cave, and lithic technology in the Levant and South Africa. Key projects involve the Holon site (Israel) and Kathu Pan 1 (South Africa). Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding prehistoric subsistence strategies, spatial organization, and dating techniques. Collaborative studies with L.K. Horwitz and others emphasize interdisciplinary approaches. Chazan advises graduate student Sarah Ranlett and postdoctoral supervisee Hilary Duke. His fieldwork teams have conducted significant excavations at Wonderwerk Cave, advancing knowledge of Acheulean cultures.
R. Wirth is a senior researcher in the Department of Geochemistry at the Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ), Potsdam, Germany, specifically within the 3.5 Interface Geochemistry group. Previously, he was affiliated with the 3.6 Chemistry and Physics of Earth Materials group at the same institution. He is actively engaged in cutting-edge research involving nanoscale analysis of geological materials using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and other advanced microanalytical techniques. The research interests of R. Wirth span a broad range of topics in geochemistry and mineralogy, including interface geochemistry, shock metamorphism, hydrothermal alteration, nanomineralogy, high-pressure mineral physics, and the formation and transformation of Earth materials. His work frequently addresses fundamental questions in petrology, economic geology, and planetary science, often focusing on the micro- to nano-scale processes that govern mineral behavior under extreme conditions. An analysis of Wirth's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary geochemical research, combining advanced analytical methods with field and experimental studies. His work often involves collaboration with international teams and contributes to understanding geological processes such as impact cratering, mantle metasomatism, ore formation, and fossilization. The keywords and subfields from his articles highlight a consistent focus on microstructures, phase transitions, fluid-rock interactions, and the application of high-resolution microscopy in Earth sciences. R. Wirth has made significant contributions to the scientific community through his extensive publication record in high-impact journals such as Geology , American Mineralogist , and Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology . His research has advanced the understanding of mineral behavior at the nanoscale, with implications for resource exploration, planetary science, and fundamental geochemical processes. Although no specific grants or advising roles are mentioned in the provided text, his collaborative publication pattern suggests an active role in research teams and scientific networks. His laboratory work is centered on advanced electron microscopy techniques at GFZ, where he likely leads or is a key member of a research team specializing in nanogeoscience. The consistent use of TEM, EELS, and microdiffraction in his studies indicates a well-equipped and specialized laboratory environment focused on high-resolution characterization of geological materials.
Marta Arzarello is an Associate Professor in Prehistory and Protohistory at the Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Ferrara (Italy). She serves as Deputy Director of the Department of Humanistic Studies and Coordinator of the Doctorate in Human Sciences and the International Master in Quaternary and Prehistory, both funded by Erasmus Mundus. She has coordinated numerous international projects (FP7, Erasmus Mundus, CNR-CNRST) and acted as EC expert since 2011. Director of over 60 Master’s and 21 PhD theses Director of excavations at Pirro Nord and Ciota Ciara Focus on Middle/Lower Palaeolithic technology, first European peopling, island colonization, and Sahara cultures Her recent publications (2025–2024) span archaeology , anthropology , and lithic technology , addressing topics such as: Neurocranial morphology of Palaeolithic remains Lithic analysis of Lower Palaeolithic sites Diet and subsistence strategies in Palaeolithic Italy Use-wear analysis for tool functionality Early human presence in Western Europe She received the Prix Prince Rainier III de Monaco (2018) for research at Pirro Nord. Her work integrates field campaigns, experimental archaeology, and museum curation to reconstruct human behavior and environmental interactions.
Dr. Andrea Balbo is a Scientific Collaborator in Geoarchaeology and Paleogeography at the University of Geneva, affiliated with the Department of Earth Sciences within the Faculty of Sciences. His research is supported by major grants, including the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project 'Specialized Craftsmen on the Move,' and he collaborates with institutions across Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, India, and beyond. PhD in Archaeology (Geoarchaeology), University of Cambridge (2007) Associate Professor Accreditation, Italian Ministry of University and Research (2013) Accreditation for Advanced Research, Catalan University Quality Agency (2015) Senior Research Fellow, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, University of Hamburg (2015–2018) His research focuses on human-environment interactions during the Holocene, particularly in mountainous, arid, and coastal zones. He integrates archaeological fieldwork with paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic data, using techniques such as soil micromorphology, remote sensing, and agent-based modeling. His work spans diverse regions including the Alps, Mediterranean wetlands, North Gujarat (India), the Sahara, Tierra del Fuego, and the Antarctic Peninsula. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in interdisciplinary environmental archaeology, with emphasis on climate change impacts, land use sustainability, terrace agriculture, and the use of advanced technologies like SAR remote sensing and simulation modeling. His articles appear in leading journals such as Quaternary Science Reviews , The Holocene , PLOS ONE , and WIREs Water . Senior Research Fellow, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (2015–2018) Associate Professor Accreditation, MIUR, Italy (2013) Accreditation for Advanced Research, AQU Catalunya (2015) Dr. Balbo has served as a lecturer and teaching director at multiple universities, including the University of Geneva, Politecnico di Milano, University of Bologna, and University of the Philippines. He has supervised laboratory and field training at the University of Cambridge and coordinated international summer schools. He is also an active peer reviewer for the European Commission, National Geographic Society, IUCN, and over 20 scientific journals. His work at ALIPH Foundation on heritage conservation in conflict zones further demonstrates his engagement with real-world applications of archaeological science. He has contributed to projects involving heritage conservation, climate-conflict interactions, and illicit trafficking of cultural goods, and helped design e-learning platforms for heritage diplomacy. His affiliations include the Humboldt Foundation, Darwin College (Cambridge), Marie Skłodowska-Curie Association, and the SDG Academy Alumni Network.
