[Photo of Giedre Motuzaite Matuzeviciute]

Dr Giedre Motuzaite Matuzeviciute

Leverhulme Trust Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Bioarchaeology
Research Associate in the, McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research
Research Associate at, Darwin College

Office: 3.2, Courtyard Building
Phone: +44 (0)1223 339326
Fax: +44 (0)1223 333536
Email: gm327@cam.ac.uk

Entry in the University's Lookup directory service (restricted access)

Current research themes

During my research I am applying a variety of scientific techniques to archaeological investigation. I specialise in archaeobotanical investigation at archaeological sites, especially macroplant remain, as well as stable isotope research (mainly carbon and nitrogen). I am particularly interested in:

  • Origins of food production
  • East-West interaction via Eurasian steppe
  • Neolithic-Bronze Age in Ukraine - central Asia
  • Palaeoenvironmetal reconstruction
  • Holocene landscape development
  • Human-landscape interactions
  • Human diet, exchange
  • Environmental adaptation
  • Farming strategies

Regional Focus

Ukraine, Moldova, Caucasus, southwest Russia, Central Asia, Lithuania

Current research projects

My research with the Pioneers of Pan-Asian Contact (PPAC) project and in cooperation with FOGLIP project is focused on tracing the pathways of the earliest crop to travel across Eurasia - broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum). Macrobotanical evidence for this crop has been found on both sides of the continent, dating from the Neolithic period. My research in central Asia and western China is aimed at filling in the existing gaps of knowledge concerning the early movements of this crop. The principal methodology for this project entails a combination of macrofossil analysis and isotopic food web analysis (exploiting the C4 status of millet in predominantly C3 environments).

Related links