Dr Alex Birkett
BA
Expertise
Specialist digital archaeologist experienced surveyor and archaeologist; Skilled in photography, illustration, and graphic design, a variety of 3D and 2D software, GIS, and Database tools, and experience in management and teaching
Current positions
Specialist Teaching Technician
Department of Anthropology and Archaeology
Contact
Press and media
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Biography
Research interests
My work has taken me across the globe, from dogsbody archaeologist, 3D recording archaeology, to leading the surveying and recording of archaeological remains on projects.
- Specialist digital archaeologist,Experienced surveyor and archaeologist, Skilled in photography, illustration, and graphic design,
- Skilled in a variety of 3D and 2D software, GIS, and Database tools,
- Experience in management and teaching.
My thesis examines the use of 3D modelling within the field of archaeology with a focus on its use to record and reconstruct architectural remains. I aim to tackle critiques levied at 3D tools and archaeology by explicitly exploring how broadly applicable the integration of these methods is to archaeologists. This involves both a discussion of benefits to research and understanding, as well as efficiency and benefiting the broader research beyond a single site using a series of case studies from Albania and the United Kingdom.
The thesis fills a significant hole in the academic discourse that has been sorely missing and will provide a set of case studies that illustrate how these methods can be appropriately integrated into the archaeological process, binding together the previously scattered research.
Projects and supervisions
Research projects
Field Evaluation on Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire.
Role
Technician
Description
A field evaluation was carried out to ascertain the nature of burnt mound position and use on Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire. In addition to more thoroughly mapping some of the burnt…Managing organisational unit
Department of Anthropology and ArchaeologyDates
07/05/2024 to 06/05/2025
Magnetometry Survey at Fenny Castle, Wookey, Somerset.
Role
Co-Principal Investigator
Description
Evidence for structures in this area were identified in the survey. However there is the possibility that this is associated with the effects of the natural sediment and geology of…Managing organisational unit
Department of Anthropology and ArchaeologyDates
11/01/2024 to 22/04/2024
Geophysical Survey Near Alverston, South Gloucestershire
Principal Investigator
Description
This survey aims to investigate the field for potential archaeology, with the hope to identify the nature of the cropmarks apparent in the 2020 aerial photos and identify the origin…Managing organisational unit
Department of Anthropology and ArchaeologyDates
01/06/2023 to 31/12/2024
Geophysical Survey of St Mary’s Church, Swainswick, Bath
Principal Investigator
Description
This survey identified numerous other burial vaults or coffins present across the side aisle, and to the east of the John Wood the Elder ledger stone. No clear void or…Managing organisational unit
Department of Anthropology and ArchaeologyDates
10/11/2022 to 01/12/2022
Magnetometry Survey at Wain’s Hill, Poets Walk, Clevedon
Principal Investigator
Description
A magnetometry survey carried out at Wain’s Hill, Clevedon, North Somerset (centred on ST 39085 70655) as part of an undergraduate Dissertation. The aim of the survey was to improve…Managing organisational unit
Department of Anthropology and ArchaeologyDates
06/11/2022 to 10/01/2024
Publications
Selected publications
01/01/2022Eco-tourism as a vehicle for sustainable development in Nivica, Albania
Sustainability and Complexity
The End of Simple Problems: Repositioning Chemistry in Higher Education and Society Using a Systems Thinking Approach and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals as a Framework
Journal of Chemical Education
“The dead don’t choose their own tombs”
Recent publications
01/01/2024Evidence of the Italio-Greek War in the Kurvelesh, Albania
Journal of Conflict Archaeology
Geophysical Survey: Magnetometry Survey at Fenny Castle, Wookey, Somerset
Geophysical Survey: Magnetometry Survey at Fenny Castle, Wookey, Somerset
Geophysical Survey Report
Geophysical Survey Report
Extended Matrix Blender Tools (AB Fork)
Thesis
Virtual Ruins, Real Insights
Supervisors
Award date
07/05/2024
Related people
Dr Aisling Tierney
Lecturer
Bristol Institute for Learning and Teaching
Professor Chris Preist
University Academic Director of Sustainability
Bristol Institute for Learning and Teaching
Professor Dudley Shallcross
Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry
School of Chemistry
Dr Ed Atkins
Senior Lecturer
School of Geographical Sciences