I'm an archaeologist with broad interests in the design, production and use of stone tool artefacts. My research often investigates the interplay between cultural and biological aspects of our evolutionary history and applies mechanical, biomechanical, morphometric and statistical techniques to better understand the behaviour and evolution of early humans. In 2020 I established excavations at the Lower Palaeolithic site of Old Park (Kent, UK). Old Park retains some of the earliest evidence for the occupation of Britain by humans, and at the time of writing is the oldest archaeological site being excavated in the UK.
My PhD was awarded in 2015 under the supervision of Dr Stephen Lycett, after which I was awarded a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship. Prior to my appointment at Cambridge I held Lectureships and Visiting Researcher positions in the UK and USA.
At Cambridge my teaching focuses on Palaeolithic archaeology, human origins, and lithic technology. I co-ordinate the MPhil (Masters degree) in Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Archaeology.
Current Members of the Cambridge Palaeolithic Lab Group
Dr Anna Fedato (Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Fellow)
Dr Lisa Schunk (Walter-Benjamin Hosted Fellow)
Ms Anna Mika (PhD Researcher - Experimental Archaeology / Palaeolithic Archaeology)
Mr Finn Stileman (PhD Researcher - Lower Palaeolithic Archaeology)
Ms Vaneshree Vidyarthi (PhD Researcher - Lower & Middle Palaeolithic Archaeology [Co-Supervising w/ Prof. C. Petrie])
Ms Eleanor Williams (Research Assistant)
Please note that Dr Alastair Key will be on sabbatical for Michaelmas (Autumn) and Lent (Spring) Terms during 2025/26.
