Rachel Smith

I volunteer for EAMENA under Dr. Bijan Rouhani, analysing satellite imagery from  Iran to identify archaeological sites.

I completed my MSc. in archaeology from The University of Oxford, focusing on landscape archaeology. I am now an Archaeology DPhil student at the University of Oxford. I use remote sensing to understand the susceptibility of archaeological landscape(s) to potential or pending disasters. My research encourages archaeologists in all regions to consider and utilise various remote and geospatial approaches to communicate, understand, and prioritise the archaeological landscape before it is too late.

I have conducted fieldwork in the Levant and have a keen interest in archaeology throughout the Middle East. In addition to my DPhil, I work freelance for Adventure Partners, endeavoring to reach and document at-risk archaeological landscape(s) physically. My interest in the Middle East and my efforts to understand and document at-risk archaeology make it a joy to volunteer with EAMENA. Furthermore, volunteering for EAMENA provides me with valuable insight into what it takes to navigate and consolidate large amounts of data in the context of at-risk archaeology.

My work-life balance does not quite exist, but you never work when you love what you do. My hobbies include taking my husband and dog along on my fieldwork as we enjoy challenging treks and running to hard-to-reach places to document at-risk archaeology.

Keywords

Middle East, landscape archaeology, remote sensing, GIS, policy, heritage management, climate change

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me via rachel.smith@arch.ox.ac.uk