Irini Sifogeorgaki is conducting geoarchaeological research within the “Finding resolution for the Middle to Later Stone Age transition in South Africa” project, focusing on determining Site Formation Processes of the Shongweni and Umhlatuzana rock shelters.

More information about Irini Sifogeorgakis

Office days

Monday to Friday

Research

Irini Sifogeorgaki is conducting geoarchaeological research within the “Finding resolution for the Middle to Later Stone Age transition in South Africa” project, focusing on determining Site Formation Processes of the Shongweni and Umhlatuzana rock shelters.

Her study will address scientific debates about the South African Stone Age and generate knowledge on global climate fluctuations during the Pleistocene and their regional expressions. To proceed with the geoarchaeological assessments, micromorphological analysis will be combined with micro stratigraphic bulk sediment analysis (pH, MMA, granulometry, LoI, Ph presence, Carbonate presence), OSL sampling, Carbon Dating and Light Stable Isotope Analysis.

The research will target various types of occupational information, stratigraphic and sedimentological irregularities, examination of minerals to determine diagenetic situation and study of sediment origin within the landscape.

Teaching activities

In terms of teaching, Irini has been assisting various classes related to geoarchaeology, landscape dynamics, and fieldwork strategies. It is her ambition to develop a geoarchaeology course within the Faculty of Archaeology.

Curriculum vitae

Irini Sifogeorgaki has a strong background in geoarchaeology with an MSc degree in Environmental Archaeology (University College London) and a BSc in Geology and Geoenvironment (University of Athens), both of which were granted to her with first class honors.

For her MSc project, she performed a  Geoarchaeological Assessment of the Landscape Evolution of Tierra Del Fuego, Patagonia using  Micromorphological Analysis which enhanced her knowledge on the environmental control on past human behaviors and the global climate fluctuations during the Pleistocene. On course of her undergraduate studies, she was able to develop a broad understanding of natural dynamics. She conducted her BSc thesis entitled Sedimentological Studies and Paleoenvironmental Observations on Sediments of the Marathousa Formation, Megalopolis Basin, Greece in which she applied sedimentological analytical techniques (bulk sediment analysis, SEM, XRD) combined with microscopic observations on the palaeoflora and palaeofauna.

In addition to her academic training, she has acquired a significant amount of archaeological field experience and has attended various workshops, training courses and seminars.

Publications