Our #HumansOfArchaeology series digs up a new profile every week as we find out what lies under the surface of those working, studying or connected with archaeology. Inspired? Join the Council for British Archaeology today!
Eleanor Green, Ancient DNA research group at the Department of Archaeology, University of York
For me, Archaeology was a gradual and mostly accidental interest. My fascination by the ‘Ancient Egypt’ page of the Encyclopaedia was no more impressive than any other child’s. Our family holidays always included a day at a castle, and whilst I enjoyed running through the ruins and hearing stories of triumph and defeat, the true impact of these tales went unnoticed.
Skip about a decade and I was an A-Level student deciding what to do next. University had always appealed to me, but my indecisive nature meant committing to just one subject felt like an impossible task. It was my Dad who first suggested looking more into Archaeology.
A bit of further research revealed that by opting to study Archaeology I didn’t have to choose a single subject; instead, I could use scientific techniques to investigate the stories of history.
Now, I am a member of the ancient DNA research group at the Department of Archaeology, University of York. I am especially interested in the analysis of preserved faecal material. The DNA preserved within palaeofaeces relates not only to the depositing individual but their living environments.
We can learn about the diet, parasitic infections and general gut health of a single person in a single moment by examining the DNA preserved in an old poo! Having a foot in both the Humanities and Sciences suits me perfectly, as working with colleagues across the faculties encourages me to think about my work from different points of view.
There is an expectation, now more than ever, for research to have a universally beneficial purpose. My research may not change the world, but, importantly, it will engage people in our shared past. I enjoy participating in outreach activities and discussing my research with the public to convey the importance of archaeological study.
It is often thought that we do not have much in common with social groups that we do not belong to, but ancestry is our common thread. It is human nature to be intrinsically curious and what could be more curious than a human's story.
I am an archaeologist, but I am armed with pipette rather than trowel.
Photo: Eleanor Green
Interview: Elle Crawshaw
