Dr. Lucy Koster

I am a postdoctoral researcher using multi-isotope methods to reconstruct early life histories.

SHORT BIO

As a researcher I focus on using multiple bioarchaeological methods to reconstruct life histories of people in the past. I am currently a postdoctoral researcher on the Make-Up of the Cities project using multi-isotope analysis to investigate diet and mobility in childhood and adolescence in medieval Flanders. I have a background in human osteology and ancient DNA analysis alongside isotopic methods, and have a strong interest in combining multiple lines of evidence to reconstruct the lifeways of archaeological individuals. My PhD thesis focused on combining isotopes, aDNA, osteology, and traditional archaeological evidence to investigate lifeways and identity in early medieval Scotland. I have also been involved in community archaeology and public engagement since 2016 through the Sedgeford Historical and Archaeological Research Project, and I am currently a human remains team supervisor and trustee/committee member. 

BACKGROUND

• BA (Hons) in Archaeology and Anthropology (2020), University of Oxford, UK
• MSc in Archaeological Science (2021), University of Oxford, UK
• PhD in Archaeology (2025), University of Aberdeen, UK

RESEARCH TOPICS

• Archaeological science
• Isotope analyses
• Mobility
• Life histories
• Interdisciplinary archaeology
• Public outreach and community archaeology