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Department of Archaeology

 

I am a chemist focussing on biomolecular archaeology and isotopic analysis in archaeological and ecological contexts. I welcome enquiries from researchers who are interested in working with me (please read note below). 

 

Please note that Dr Tamsin O'Connell will be on sabbatical for the academic year 2025-26.

Biography

I started academic life as a chemist at the University of Oxford. The lure of applied science led me to archaeology, working with Prof Robert Hedges at the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art in Oxford, firstly for my undergraduate dissertation followed by a SERC/NERC-funded DPhil. I had a Wellcome Trust Post-doctoral Fellowship, then two post-doctoral positions at the RLAHA. I joined the Department in Cambridge in 2004, with a Wellcome Trust University Award, to set up an isotope and palaeodiet laboratory, now called the Dorothy Garrod Laboratory.

I am a Fellow of the Sociey of Antiquaries, and a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, the British Mass Spectrometry Society and the Society of Archaeological Sciences.

Research

My research traces signals of diet and climate in human and animal tissues, using isotopic analysis. As well as application to archaeological, ecological and epidemiological case studies, my work focuses on developing our understanding of the underlying principles, so as to improve the resolution of interpretations and conclusions that we can draw from isotopic analyses.

Topics
  • Stable isotope analysis 
  • Palaeodiet
  • Palaeoclimate
  • Ecological studies of foodwebs
  • Nutrition and epidemiology
  • Biomolecular analysis of human and animal remains

I am presently involved in the following research projects:

  • After the Plague, a Wellcome-funded multi-disciplinary project on life in Mediaeval Cambridge
  • IsoBank, a multi-organization NSF-funded effort to build a common repository for stable isotope data
  • Subsilience, an ERC project led by Dr Ana Maria Belen, University of Cantabria & Instituto Internacional de Investigaciones Prehistóricas de Cantabria
  • The Portus Project
  • The FRAGSUS Project
  • Two Rains
  • food-web studies in the Antarctic, with Dr Tracey Rogers and the Predator group at the University of New South Wales

Analytical Equipment used

Continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry: Thermo Finnigan Delta V and MAT253 mass specs with various peripherals including EA, TCEA, gas bench and Kiel device.

We carry out our analyses in the Godwin Laboratory in Earth Sciences.

 

Collaborators

Information for Prospective Postgraduate Students

Before making a speculative approach to me, please think about a few questions:

  1. Why do you want to work with me in particular? I need to be convinced that you are actively interested in working with me, not attracted by the appeal of a degree from Cambridge. Straight “applications” of isotopic analyses to archaeological questions are of less interest to me, and for such work, there needs to be another Cambridge-based supervisor to cover the archaeological dimension.
  2. What will you bring to the isotope group? I like people who can bring unusual skills into isotopic studies, who want to tackle underpinning assumptions and to take new approaches to isotopic data. A strong degree of numeracy, a willingness to do a lot of benchwork and an interest in archaeology/trophic ecology are expectations, not qualifications in themselves.
  3. How will you fund your position? I do not take self-funded students, because of the need to cover research expenses. Please make the effort to look for opportunities. I’m willing to help good applicants to develop proposals and track down funding but the primary motivation needs to come from you. Having independent funding isn’t enough on its own either; see (1.) above.
  4. Why do you want to do a PhD? In case you’re not already aware, most PhD graduates don’t end up working in academia (although fair few of my former students do). A PhD is difficult, intensive - the highest academic qualification for a reason. It brings you no glory, no financial rewards. If you’re aware of all this and still want to embark on this, then it might be for you.

Key Publications

Key publications: 

For full publications, see Google Scholar 

 

Selected publications

[1] O'Connell TC (2017) ‘Trophic’ and ‘source’ amino acids in trophic estimation: a likely metabolic explanation. Oecologia 184:317-326. doi: 10.1007/s00442-017-3881-9
[2] O'Connell T.C., Kneale C.J., Tasevska N. and Kuhnle G.G.C. (2012). The diet-body offset in human nitrogen isotopic values: A controlled dietary study. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 149(3), 426-434. DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22140.

 

Publication

Journal articles

2011

  • Lightfoot, E., Boneva, B., Miracle, PT., Šlaus, M. and O'Connell, TC., 2011. Exploring the Mesolithic and Neolithic transition in Croatia through isotopic investigations Antiquity, v. 85
  • 2010

  • Crowe, F., Sperduti, A., O'Connell, TC., Craig, OE., Kirsanow, K., Germoni, P., Macchiarelli, R., Garnsey, P. and Bondioli, L., 2010. Water-related occupations and diet in two Roman coastal communities (Italy, first to third century AD): Correlation between stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values and auricular exostosis prevalence. Am J Phys Anthropol, v. 142
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.21229
  • Brooke, MDL., O'Connell, TC., Wingate, D., Madeiros, J., Hilton, GM. and Ratcliffe, N., 2010. Potential for rat predation to cause decline of the globally threatened Henderson petrel Pterodroma atrata: Evidence from the field, stable isotopes and population modelling Endangered Species Research, v. 11
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.3354/esr00249
  • Campana, MG., Bower, MA., Bailey, MJ., Stock, F., O'Connell, TC., Edwards, CJ., Checkley-Scott, C., Knight, B., Spencer, M. and Howe, CJ., 2010. A flock of sheep, goats and cattle: Ancient DNA analysis reveals complexities of historical parchment manufacture J ARCHAEOL SCI, v. 37
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2009.12.036
  • 2009

  • Schroeder, H., O'Connell, TC., Evans, JA., Shuler, KA. and Hedges, RE., 2009. Trans-Atlantic slavery: Isotopic evidence for forced migration to Barbados Am J Phys Anthropol, v. 139
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.21019
  • Stevens, RE., O'Connell, TC., Hedges, RE. and Street, M., 2009. Radiocarbon and stable isotope investigations at the Central Rhineland sites of Gönnersdorf and Andernach-Martinsberg, Germany J Hum Evol, v. 57
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhevol.2009.01.011
  • Lightfoot, E., O'Connell, TC., Stevens, RE., Hamilton, J., Hey, G. and Hedges, REM., 2009. An investigation into diet at the site of Yarnton, Oxfordshire, using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes OXFORD J ARCHAEOL, v. 28
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0092.2009.00330.x
  • Lucy, S., Newman, R., Dodwell, N., Hills, CM., Dekker, M., O Connell, TC., Riddler, I. and Walton Rogers, P., 2009. The burial of A Princess? The later Seventh-Century cemetery at Westfield Farm, Ely The Antiquaries Journal, v. 89
  • Stevens, RE., Germonpre, M., Petrie, CA. and O'Connell, TC., 2009. Palaeoenvironmental and chronological investigations of the Magdalenian sites of Goyet Cave and Trou de Chaleux (Belgium), via stable isotope and radiocarbon analyses of horse skeletal remains J ARCHAEOL SCI, v. 36
    Doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2008.10.008
  • 2007

  • Hedges, RE., Clement, JG., Thomas, CD. and O'connell, TC., 2007. Collagen turnover in the adult femoral mid-shaft: Modeled from anthropogenic radiocarbon tracer measurements Am J Phys Anthropol, v. 133
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.20598
  • Privat, KL., O'Connell, TC. and Hedges, REM., 2007. The distinction between freshwater- and terrestrial-based diets: Methodological concerns and archaeological applications of sulphur stable isotope analysis J ARCHAEOL SCI, v. 34
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2006.10.008
  • Finucane, BC., Valdez, JE., Calderon, IP., Pomacanchari, CV., Valdez, LM. and O'Connell, TC., 2007. The end of empire: New radiocarbon dates from the Ayacucho Valley, Peru, and their implications for the collapse of the Wari State Radiocarbon, v. 49
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.2458/azu_js_rc.v.2955
  • 2006

  • Lewis, R., O'Connell, TC., Lewis, M., Campagna, C. and Hoelzel, AR., 2006. Sex-specific foraging strategies and resource partitioning in the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) Proc Biol Sci, v. 273
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2006.3642
  • 2005

  • Birchall, J., O'Connell, TC., Heaton, THE. and Hedges, REM., 2005. Hydrogen isotope ratios in animal body protein reflect trophic level J ANIM ECOL, v. 74
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2656.2005.00979.x
  • Fuller, BT., Fuller, JL., Sage, NE., Harris, DA., O'Connell, TC. and Hedges, REM., 2005. Nitrogen balance and δ15N: Why you're not what you eat during nutritional stress Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, v. 19
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.2090
  • 2004

  • Fuller, BT., Fuller, JL., Sage, NE., Harris, DA., O'Connell, TC. and Hedges, RE., 2004. Nitrogen balance and delta15N: Why you're not what you eat during pregnancy Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom, v. 18
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.1708
  • 2002

  • Privat, KL., O'Connell, TC. and Richards, MP., 2002. Stable isotope analysis of human and faunal remains from the Anglo-Saxon cemetery at Berinsfield, Oxfordshire: Dietary and social implications J ARCHAEOL SCI, v. 29
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1006/jasc.2001.0785
  • Williams, JH. and O'Connell, TC., 2002. Differential relations between cognition and 15N isotopic content of hair in elderly people with dementia and controls J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, v. 57
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/57.12.M797
  • 2001

  • O'Connell, TC. and Hedge, REM., 2001. Isolation and isotopic analysis of individual amino acids from archaeological bone collagen: A new method using RP-HPLC ARCHAEOMETRY, v. 43
  • O'Connell, TC., Hedges, REM., Healey, MA. and Simpson, AHR., 2001. Isotopic comparison of hair, nail and bone: Modern analyses J ARCHAEOL SCI, v. 28
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1006/jasc.2001.0698
  • Jones, AM., O'Connell, TC., Young, ED., Scott, K., Buckingham, CM., Iacumin, P. and Brasier, MD., 2001. Biogeochemical data from well preserved 200 ka collagen and skeletal remains EARTH PLANET SC LETT, v. 193
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/S0012-821X(01)00474-5
  • 2000

  • Dickson, JH., Oeggl, K., Holden, TG., Handley, LL., O'Connell, TC. and Preston, T., 2000. The omnivorous Tyrolean Iceman: Colon contents (meat, cereals, pollen, moss and whipworm) and stable isotope analyses Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, v. 355
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2000.0739
  • 1999

  • Macko, SA., Engel, MH., Andrusevich, V., Lubec, G., O'Connell, TC. and Hedges, RE., 1999. Documenting the diet in ancient human populations through stable isotope analysis of hair Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, v. 354
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1999.0360
  • O'Connell, TC. and Hedges, RE., 1999. Investigations into the effect of diet on modern human hair isotopic values Am J Phys Anthropol, v. 108
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1096-8644(199904)108:4<409::AID-AJPA3>3.0.CO;2-E
  • Conference proceedings

    1999

  • O'Connell, TC. and Hedges, REM., 1999. Isotopic comparison of hair and bone: Archaeological analyses JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE, v. 26
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1006/jasc.1998.0383
  • Teaching and Supervisions

    Teaching: 

    At undergraduate level, I  contribute to core and optional courses in the Archaeology tripos.

    At masters level, I  contribute to core and optional courses in the MSc, including practical projects, covering aspects of archaeological science.

    Research supervision: 

    I supervise students on a range of topics covering archaeological and ecological applications of isotopic analyses, usually as a co-supervisor with an archaeological or ecological expert.  I am interested in supervising students who wish to study for an MPhil or a PhD in the following topics: nitrogen metabolism, anthropological and epidemiological studies, 'big isotopic data'.

    As well as the research students listed below, I supervise Masters and undergraduate projects on a range of bioarchaeological topics.

    Current Students:

    • Tiago Hermenegildo
    • Laura Courto
    • Emily Tilby
    • Danny Buss

     

    Past Students:

    • Kate Boulden
    • Lauren Cadwallader
    • Michael Campana
    • Maria Ana Correia
    • Lindsey Friedman
    • Catherine Horswill (British Antarctic Survey) (co-supervisor)
    • Penny Jones
    • Sam Leggett
    • Emma Lightfoot
    • Suzie Pilaar-Birch
    • Amy Prendergast
    • Alexander Pryor
    • Hazel Reade
    • Alice Rose
    • Akshyeta Suryanarayan
    • Nicola Rodgers (Anglia Ruskin University) (co-supervisor)
    • Pre-Cambridge: Karen Privat (Oxford), Rebecca Lewis (Durham)

    Other Professional Activities

    • NERC Peer Review College Member: 2020-
    • NERC Environmental Isotope Facility Strategy Group Member: 2020-2024
    • NERC Isotope Geosciences Facility Steering Committee Member: 2016-2020
    • NERC Radiocarbon Facility Steering Committee Member: 2010-2016
    • NERC Services Review Group Committee Member: 2012
    • Regular peer reviewer for grant applications to NERC, AHRC, the Wellcome Trust, Leakey Foundation
    • Associate Editor of the journal Archaeometry (since 2004)
    • Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry
    • Member of the British Mass Spectrometry Society
    • Member of the Society of Archaeological Sciences

    Job Titles

    Head of the Department of Archaeology, Reader in Isotopic Ecology
    Fellow of Trinity Hall
    Director of Studies, Trinity Hall
    ON RESEARCH LEAVE FOR 2025-26 & 2026-27
    OConnell_Tamsin

    General Info

    Takes PhD students
    Not available for consultancy
    Research Expertise / Fields of study: 
    Human Palaeoecology
    Biomolecular Archaeology

    Contact Details

    tco21 [at] cam.ac.uk
    01223 (3)39344

    Affiliations

    Person keywords: 
    Stable Isotope Analysis
    Prehistory
    Migration and Mobility
    The Mediterranean
    The Body
    Bioarchaeology
    Archaeology
    Subjects: 
    Archaeological Science
    Archaeology
    Themes: 
    Science, Technology and Innovation
    Environment, Landscapes and Settlement
    Material Culture
    Rethinking Complexity
    Geographical areas: 
    Africa
    Britain
    Europe
    South Asia
    Periods of interest: 
    Classical - Roman
    Medieval
    Other Prehistory
    Post-Medieval