With my training in Archeology, I am specialized in Microarcheology, the study of the invisible record, to understand the relationship between humans and plants from a long-term perspective. I obtained my PhD in Archaeology in 1999 after 3 years at the Weizmann Inst of Science working with Prof. S.Weiner. I pioneered in applying quantitative and morphological phytolith analyses to Prehistoric sites aiming to shed new light on the use of fire by past populations. From 2005/13 I founded and directed GEPEG recognized as Quality Research Group by Catalan Government. At pesent, I amb responsible for the Paleoenvironment and Paleovegetation (PALEO) research area within ERAAUB (UB). In 2011 I created PhytCore, the most extensive online phytolith database to date. I have directed more than 20 research projects and written more than 135 contributions (80 SCI). Since 2018 I co-direct the European Advanced research grant TerrACE to study the use of cultivated plants. 

Research interests

My scientific interest lies in improving our understanding of the relationship between humans and plants from a long-term perspective. To do this, my research focuses on rebuilding the vegetation of human-occupied landscapes and understanding the human use of plants, including studying fire, agriculture, and grazing practices and their impact on the landscape. Methodologically, I apply a fine resolution multi-proxy analysis based on the identification of the mineralogical composition and microscopic content (not visible to the naked eye) of archaeological sediments, and closely related, to identify plant remains (phytoliths, starches, calcium oxalates ), as well as other microremains of biological origin (diatoms, spicule sponges, chrysophytes, fecal spherulites). In recent years, I have also dedicated part of my time to developing digital platforms for database exchange to enhance the dissemination of microarchaeological research (www.PhytCore.org).