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Biography

I always enjoyed the biological sciences. I went to Imperial College, London to study Biology. Prior to and during my years at university, I became interested in Archaeology spending my summers digging (lots of fun). On finishing my degree I worked as a field archaeologist. I became interested in environmental archaeology (biological materials in the past) and eventually focused on animal bone (maybe driven by my earlier ambition to be a vet and memories of my grandfather the master-butcher?).

I worked for many years analysing and writing about archaeological animals, for both commercial and heritage organisations. During this time I studied for a PhD in archaeology at Sheffield and developed a passion for island archaeology. I have spent every summer for many years digging on the Hebrides, and more recently on the Isles of Scilly. I became responsible for promoting science within developer funded archaeology and about eight years ago joined the academic world as a Bioarchaeology lecturer in Cardiff. My research focuses on the archaeology of human:animal relationships, how people lived on islands and the integration of science within archaeology. 

What motivated you to engage the public with your work?

Archaeology always benefits from public interest, and I love to communicate my passion for Bioarchaeology. I hope to learn more skills not only in PE but in how to manage my involvement in PE to benefit myself, my institution and the public.

I also want to nurture student skills in PE and embed PE in the curriculum.

Describe the public engagement work you have done

I have worked with the public on excavations, in museums and presented my work via the media (e.g. Time Team). Most recently my focus on public engagement has been encouraged with a Beacons funded project (Future Animals), and with other aspects of my work, such as a Leverhulme Artist in Residency based on bones. 

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