Fitxa persona

I am a researcher in archaeo-geophysics at the University of Valencia (UV) since August 2023 and an affiliated researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). With a background in archaeology (UV, 1993-1998) and ~7 years in rescue archaeology (Spain and UK), I developed my engagement with geophysical prospection via an MSc (Bradford University, England, 2007-2008) and a PhD (University of Glasgow, Scotland, 2009-2013). I have held research and consultancy positions in Norway (NTNU, Trondheim, 2017-2023), Austria (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization-CTBTO CTBTO, Vienna, 2015-16), and Greece (FORTH-IMS, Rethymno-Crete, 2013-15). 

My research portfolio is cross disciplinary between archaeology, applied geophysics, geosciences and heritage management and showcases the potential of geophysical methods in archaeological studies. It focuses on the digital and cost-effective discovery, exploration, and recording of buried archaeological sites and landscapes, quite often at risk, due to an increase in the intensity of agricultural practices, urban development, or climate change. It demonstrates that these minimally invasive diagnostic methods are the best ally to complement and maximise the results provided by more traditional archaeological strategies (e.g. research excavation or trial trenching in archaeological evaluation). I have been exploring the integration of soil characterisation as part of archaeo-geophysical investigations to provide more detailed interpretations of sensed/proxy data (Cuenca-Garcia et al 2018, Cuenca-García 2019, Cuenca-Garcia et al. 2023). I have been also working on landscape-scale archaeological investigations of a wide range of sites in Greece, Cyprus, Norway, Emirates, Spain, Estonia and Denmark using both single channel geophysical instrumentation and motorised multi-sensor magnetometer and GPR platforms. Current work includes the following projects: NIDAROD (EE-BI009) 'From Nidaros to Novgorod: Cultures Along the Historic St Olav Routes' (Estonia), Invisible and Visible Cultural Heritage - Investigations of WW2 bunkers at Hanstholm  (Denmark), and SENSING IBERIANSCAPES (CIDEXG/2022/55) 'Revealing Iron Age sites and landscapes in the Iberian Peninsula' (Spain).

Besides archaeological investigations, my interests have also developed in humanitarian applications of geophysical prospection. These include the use of high-resolution geophysics to find unmarked human burials, mass graves, and illegal infrastructure. I am a CTBTO inspector (roster) for the implementation of geophysical surveys during on-site inspections (verification regime of compliance with the CTB Treaty). I am a member of two international networks related to climate change, social justice and heritage: the COST Action CA20134 and the Climate Heritage Network.

I am opened to supervising Masters and Doctoral thesis related to topics such as archaeological geophysics, landscape archaeology in the Nordic and Mediterranean regions, and monitoring endangered cultural heritage. If you have any inquires or need guidance in these areas, please feel free to reach out to me.