Fitxa persona

I am a CIDEGENT researcher in archaeo-geophysics at the University of Valencia (UV) since August 2023, and I hold a research affiliation with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). With a background in archaeology (UV, 1993-1998) and approximately seven years of experience in rescue archaeology across Spain and the UK, I developed my expertise in geophysical prospection through an MSc from Bradford University, England (2007-2008), and a PhD from the University of Glasgow, Scotland (2009-2013). Over the years, I have held research and consultancy roles in various countries, including Norway (NTNU, 2017-2023), Austria (CTBTO, 2015-2016), and Greece (FORTH-IMS, 2013-2015).

My research is inherently interdisciplinary, combining archaeology, near-surface geophysics, geosciences, and heritage management. It focuses on the discovery, exploration, and documentation of buried archaeological sites and landscapes, many of which are under threat from agricultural intensification, urban expansion, or climate change. I aim to demonstrate the potential of combined geophysical techniques as a cost-effective and complementary approach to traditional archaeological methods, such as trial trenching and excavation.

I have conducted both intra-site and landscape-scale archaeological characterisations across a variety of sites in Greece, Cyprus, Norway, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Estonia, and Denmark. My work has involved the use of single-channel geophysical instruments as well as motorised multi-sensor magnetometer and GPR platforms. I like developing the best and least invasive strategies for detecting and studying hidden archaeological remains. For this reason, I often integrate remote and proximal sensing techniques along with soil characterisation to optimise my studies.

Currently, I am the Principal Investigator of the SENSING IBERIANSCAPES (CIDEXG/2022/55) project, which focuses on uncovering and studying Iron Age sites and landscapes across the Eastern Iberian Peninsula. By combining near-surface geophysical tools such as GPR and magnetometers with LiDAR, multispectral satellite imagery, and soil analyses, the project aims to deepen our understanding of cultural and landscape dynamics during this period. We seek to reveal hidden archaeological features and their spatial relationships, shedding light on settlement patterns, socio-political structures, and how ancient communities interacted with their environments.

Beyond archaeological investigations, my interests have expanded to the humanitarian applications of geophysical prospection. This includes the use of geophysics to locate unmarked human burials, mass graves, and illegal infrastructure. I am a CTBTO inspector (roster) for the implementation of geophysical surveys during on-site inspections as part of the verification regime for the CTB Treaty.

I am open to supervising Master's and Doctoral theses in areas such as archaeological geophysics, landscape archaeology in the Nordic and Mediterranean regions, and monitoring endangered cultural heritage. If you have any inquiries or need guidance in these fields, please do not hesitate to reach out.