ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Natural sciences are an integral part of archaeology and their utilization in the analysis of archaeological materials provides another venue for the study of the human past. In Turku these approaches vary widely and include statistical methods, osteological analyses of animal and human remains, archaeobotany, stable isotope analyses and DNA studies.
PhD Elina Salmela (UTU)
PROFESSOR
My research focuses on the genetic population history of Finland and nearby regions. Working as part of the Human Diversity research consortium of University of Turku, my group analyzes DNA sequence data of modern and ancient individuals to produce insight into population history events such as migrations, population contacts and admixtures. Furthermore, we study individuals’ ancestry, relatedness and genetic traits as well as the genomic effects of natural selection
MA Joonas Kinnunen (UTU)
PHD RESEARCHER
I’m studying the Hanseatic over-sea trade in the Baltic sea region and the networks of the medieval merchants from archaeological material using the social network analysis (SNA) and statistical methods.
MA Anne-Mari Liira (UTU)
PHD RESEARCHER
Primary research interests: human and animal bones (burned and unburned) in archaeological context.
PhD Alf H. Lindroos (ÅAU)
DOCENT
Development of sample preparation procedures for radiocarbon dating of archaeological lime mortar and concrete.
PhD Georges Kazan (UTU)
SENIOR RESEARCHER, DOCENT
I use scientific analytical methods to study archaeological materials and historical artefacts, focusing on dating, species, origin, health, object history and material culture through interdisciplinary approaches.
PhD Henrik Asplund (UTU)
University Research Fellow
Research interests: Prehistoric archaeology, archaeology of the Early Metal Period
MA Jussi Moisio (UTU)
PHD RESEARCHER
I study the Early Iron Age migrations in the Baltic Region by utilizing osteology, stable-isotope analyses and DNA analyses.
MSc Sofia Paasikivi (UTU)
PHD RESEARCHER
Bioarchaeology, disease history, historical archaeology, research ethics
PhD Mia Lempiäinen-Avci (UTU)
DOCENT
I am an archaeobotanist interested in seeds and grains recovered from archaeological sites. My research focuses on plant remains and applies ancient DNA and stable isotope analyses to investigate past human–plant interactions.
PhD Ulla Nordfors (UTU)
DOCENT
Application of interdisciplinary methods (aDNA, proteomics, isotopes) in archaeology.