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Geometric morphometrics and taphonomy

This research theme focuses on the application of geometric morphometrics to archaeological and taphonomic questions. Geometric morphometrics is a powerful set of techniques for quantifying and analyzing shape variation, allowing researchers to investigate morphological differences and patterns in a rigorous and statistically robust manner. During my past research work, I have been particularly interested in how these methods can be applied to the study of cut marks and other taphonomic signatures on bone surfaces, which can provide valuable insights into past human behavior, subsistence strategies, and site formation processes.

I develop and implement morphometric workflows that integrate landmark-based and outline-based approaches, utilizing custom R and Python scripts. These workflows enable the extraction of shape data from 3D models and high-resolution images, facilitating detailed analyses of morphological variation and its underlying causes. By combining geometric morphometrics with advanced statistical techniques, I aim to help answering archaeological questions, not only about cut marks, but also about broader patterns of morphological change and adaptation in archaeological contexts, from lithic analysis to archaeobotanical studies.

Overall, this research theme seeks to advance the application of geometric morphometrics in archaeology and taphonomy, providing new tools and insights for understanding the complex interplay between human behavior, environmental factors, and morphological variation in the archaeological record.