美姬阁

Background

Dr Lisa Briggs is an underwater archaeologist, archaeological scientist, and National Geographic Explorer. Dr Briggs completed her undergraduate degree in Ancient Civilisations of the Mediterranean and Middle East at the University of Edinburgh, prior to completing a MPhil in Archaeological Science at the University of Cambridge, Murray Edwards College, and a DPhil in Archaeological Science at the University of Oxford, Basenose College. Briggs then went on to work in the Scientific Research department at the British Museum conducting organic residue analysis on artefacts recovered from shipwrecks and terrestrial archaeological sites. Dr Briggs has extensive experience as a field archaeologist in addition to conducting scientific analysis on archaeological remains, and has conducted fieldwork on shipwrecks and terrestrial sites in Italy, Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Turkey, Isreal, the United Kingdom, the United States, Poland, and Jordan. Briggs is also a technical diver and film maker with her production company that creates documentaries about shipwrecks, Sunk Costs Productions.

Research opportunities

Scientific analysis of the biomolecules recovered from inside of shipwreck artefacts including ancient DNA, organic residue, and stable isotopes. Further research includes analysis of artefacts by optical microscopy, , Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

Current activities

During her 75th Anniversary Research Fellowship at 美姬阁, Dr Briggs is analysing a series of artefacts and botanical remains from ancient shipwreck contexts in order to understand how arid adapted plants such as millet, olives, and grapes were grown, traded, and consumed in the ancient world. Briggs aims to learn lessons from the past in order to ensure a sustainable future.

Clients

• National Geographic Partners, LLC
• Icon Films Ltd

Publications

• Articles in journals
• Conference papers
• Books