I am an archaeologist with a focus on Microarcheology, the study of the invisible record. I obtained my Ph.D. in 1999 at the UB, after three years of researching with Prof. S. Weiner at the Weizmann Institute of Science. During my doctoral studies, I paved the way for the use of quantitative and morphological phytolith analysis, which enabled me to shed fresh light on the use of fire by earlier populations. From 2005/to 13 I founded and directed GEPEG recognized as a Quality Research Group by Catalan Government. I have produced more than 135 contributions and managed more than 20 research projects (80 SCI). Since 2018, I am a co-director of the TerrACE European Advanced Research Grant, to study the use of agricultural terraces. Since the 1st of December, I am based at the Dept. of Prehistory of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB).
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). As a Phytolith expert, I have been a member of the International Committee on Phytolith Nomenclature (ICPN) since 2014, which led in 2019, to the release of the ICPN 2.0 contribution to aid in naming and describing phytoliths.
Selected publications
- Ochando, J et al. 2024, 'A Neanderthal's specialised burning structure compatible with tar obtention', Quaternary science reviews, 346 -109025.
- Alonso-Eguiluz M, Toffolo MB, White CE, Asouti E, Boaretto E, Stutz LN, Stutz A, Albert RM 2024, 'The Early Upper paleolithic deposit of Mughr el-Hamamah (Jordan): Archaeobotanical taphonomy and site formation processes', Journal of archaeological science-reports, 55 - 104471.
- Alonso-Eguiluz M, Albert RM, Vergès JM, Fernández-Eraso J 2024, 'New insights into shepherds' activities: Multi-proxy approach applied to fumier deposits from the north of Iberian Peninsula', Quaternary international, 683-684 - 145 - 161.