Current Student members

Costanza Del Gobbo

del_gobbo.costanza@uqam.ca

Impact of solar variability and volcanic eruptions on glacial extension

Supervisor: Francesco S.R. Pausata

Scientific interests

• Regional climate modelling

• Last Glacial Maximum and Holocene

• Atmosphere-cryosphere interactions

I am a climate scientist specialising in climate modelling and atmosphere–cryosphere interactions. My experience includes running and analysing regional climate models (RCMs) over past glaciated environments, as well as working with reanalysis products and remote-sensing datasets to investigate glacier and climate changes.

Education

2021. Ph.D. Earth Sciences and Fluid Mechanics, University of Trieste, Italy. Thesis: "Use of the Regional Climate Model RegCM4 to assess circulation, precipitation and temperature patterns sustaining the Tagliamento glacier (southeastern Alps) at 21 ka".

2017. M.Sc. Atmospheric Sciences, University of Innsbruck, Austria

2014. B.Sc. Geology, University of Trieste, Italy

Patrick Nantel

patrick.nantel@umontreal.ca

Human habitat suitability and migration during the Last Glacial Maximum - Bölling Oscillation transition in Western Eurasia.

Supervisor: Ariane Burke 
Start date: Fall 2024

Scientific interests

• Cultural diversification and phylogeny

• Upper Palaeolithic Art

• Ecological modeling

• Human ecology

The first part of my project will consist of building habitat suitability models for the transition between the end of the Last Glacial Maximum and the Bölling Oscillation in Western Eurasia. During this period of strong temperature increase between 14,650 and 14,000 years BP, human and animal populations moved northward. These migrations correspond to the appearance of different material cultures, such as the Azilian, the Hamburgian and the Federmesser. Another part of my project will build and test hypotheses of migratory routes and cultural diversification based on the characteristics and distribution of prehistoric artworks.

Education

1996. Ph.D. Environmental Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Qc, Canada
1989. M.Sc. Biological Sciences, Université de Montréal, Qc, Canada
1987. B.Sc. Biological Sciences, Université de Montréal, Qc, Canada

Manon Beauvillier

manon.beauvillier@umontreal.ca

Wind, loess and migration: the contribution of aeolian dynamis to human occupation strategies during the Last Glacial Maximum in Nothern Europe

Supervisors: James King and Francesco S.-R. Pausata 
Start date: 2024

Scientific interests

• Last Glacial Maximum

• Atmospheric circulation modeling

• Climate variability

• Human mobility and settlement dynamics 

• Human-environment relationships

Education
2023 : M.S. Archaeology, Sciences for Archaeology, Toulouse II-Jean Jaurès University, France. Thesis "Le vent et les occupations humaines au Paléolithique supérieur en Europe de l'Ouest : exemple des vallées de l'Èbres, de la Garonne et du Rhône" (2023) / " L'influence du vent sur la morphogenèse et le choix d'occupation humain du Paléolithique en Midi toulousain" (2021)

2018 : B.A.  Art History and Archaeology, Grenoble-Alpes University, Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France

I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in prehistoric archaeology at the Université de Montréal, where my research explores how abrupt climate changes influenced human mobility across prehistoric Europe. By examining archaeological materials—especially lithic assemblages—I aim to reconstruct patterns of movement and landscape use, and to understand how environmental instability shaped human adaptive strategies.

My work focuses on identifying how rapid climatic events affected material culture, technological choices, and the organization of mobility. Through the combined study of archaeological evidence and paleoenvironmental data, I seek to better understand the relationship between humans and their environment during major prehistoric transitions.

Education

B.A. Anthropology, Université de Montréal

Faëdrette de Chardon

faedrette.de.chardon@umontreal.ca

Supervisor: Ariane Burke
Start date: Fall 2025

Scientific interests

• Prehistory: migration movements and the first island settlements, particularly around the Aegean Sea.

• GIS

• Least cost path

Education

2025. B.A Anthropology, Université de Montréal

Since 2025. M.A. Anthropology, Université de Montréal 

Past student members

JENA ZUMAQUE

zumaque.jena@courrier.uqam.ca

Multidecadal variability of ocean and climate under warm and cold phase of the recent geological past

Supervisors: Anne DE VERNAL; Matthew PEROS
Complete: 2024

Education

2024 PhD in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, UQAM, Montreal, Canada
2010 M.S. Palaeoclimatology/Palaeoceanography, University of Liverpool / Université Bordeaux 1

SIMON PAQUIN

simon.paquin@umontreal.ca

Human dispersals in Europe during Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3) and their climatic and environmental conditions

Supervisor: Ariane BURKE
Start date: 2016 - CRSH Joseph-Arman-Bombardier Fellowship
Complete: July 2024

Scientific interests

• GIS

• Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition

• Landscape archaeology

• Spatial modeling

I am interested in the climatic and environmental conditions of the first dispersals of anatomically modern humans in Western Europe. My research concerns the spatial organization of ancient human populations in relation to their landscapes.

Education

Since 2016. Ph.D. Anthropology, Montreal University, Qc, Canada
2016. M.A. Archaeology, Laval University. Thesis: “La maison longue Imaha II revisitée : étude tracéologique de l’outillage en quartzite de Ramah”
2012. B.A. Archaeology, Laval University

Benjamin ALBOUY

benjamin.albouy@umontreal.ca

Paleogeography and population dynamics of the last Neanderthals of Western Europe (Marine Isotopic Stage 3 / 60 000 - 24 000 years Before Present)

Supervisors: Ariane BURKE - Julien RIEL-SALVATORE
Complete: 2025

Scientific interests

• Homo neanderthalensis

• Marine Isotopic Stage 3

• Climate variability

• Modelling and Meta-analysis

My doctoral research addresses the impact of climatic variations on the last Neanderthal people settlement in Western Europe during the Last Glacial Period (marine isotopic stage 3). In this respect, this project proposes a multidisciplinary approach, based on a large number of variables (geographic, paleoclimatic, and paleoenvironmental), with a great resolution in space (15 km by 15 km) and time (several years). In particular we will attempt to test for the presence of refuges area in Iberia, in Italy, or in the Balkans.

Education

2025. Ph.D. Anthropology (archaeology), Montreal University, QC, Canada
2017. M.S. in Prehistory, Geoarchaelogy, Archaeozoology – specialization Archeozoology, Bordeaux University, France. Thesis “Preliminary taphonomic study of the faunal assemblage from Sirogne Cave (Rocamadour, Lot, France)”
2015. B.A. Archaeology, specialization Art History and Archaeology, Bordeaux-Montaigne University, France
2014. D.E.U.G. Humanities, specialization History, Art History and Archaeology, Bordeaux-Montaigne University, France

SOLÈNE BOISARD

solene.boisard@umontreal.ca

Demographic and Climatic dynamics in Northwest africa during the Late Pleistocene

Supervisor: Ariane BURKE ; Colin WREN
Complete: 2025

Scientific interests

• North-African prehistory

• Raw material, lithic technology

• Cultural taxonomy

• GIS

My research focuses on the Middle Stone Age and Later Stone Age in Northwest Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya). I use GIS models to explore how ecological conditions influence overarching cultural dynamics in Northwest Africa between 130,000 and 11,000 years ago (MIS 5-2).

Education

2025. Ph.D. Anthropology (archaeology), Montreal University, QC, Canada
2019. D.E.S. Geomatic and Spatial analysis, Montreal University, QC, Canada
2018. M.S. Prehistory, Paleoenvironments, Archaeosciences, Nice-Sophia Antipolis University, France. Thesis “Iberomaurusian/LSA industries of El Hamel (Bou Saâda, Algeria). Contribution to the techno-economic study of the Tixier collections (1952-1953)”
2016. D.E.S., Archaeology and Cultural activities, Polytechnique Hauts-de-France University, France
2016. BA Fine Arts, Paris 8 University, France

Samuel SEURU

samuel.seuru@umontreal.ca

Agent-based modelling of human-prey interactions during the Last Glacial Maximum in the Iberian Peninsula: implications for livelihoods.

Supervisor: Ariane BURKE ; Co-supervisor: Liliana PEREZ
Start date: 2017
Complete: 2023

Scientific interests

• Agent-based modelling

• Optimal Foraging theory

• Prey choice model

• Last Glacial Maximum

During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in the Iberian Peninsula, a broadening of the diet of human populations is observed in the fossil record with the introduction of small faunas. Our research question focuses on the reasons for this expansion. Our main hypothesis, rather than a climatic stress, is that the increase in human density on a reduced living space has caused a strong hunting pressure on its high-ranking prey, leading to an expansion of their diet.

Education

2023. Ph.D. Anthropology, Montreal University, QC, Canada ; Hominin Dispersal Research Group (HDRG) and Laboratory of Environmental Geosimulation (LEDGE)
2015. M.S. Earth Sciences, Universe and Environment, specialty Current and Past Geo-environments, Lille 1 University, France
2015. M.A. Geology, specialty Stratigraphy, Tomsk State University, Russia
2013. B.A. Earth Sciences, Pau et Pays de l’Adour University, France

DOMINIC ALAIN

Extrêmes climatiques en Zambie lors des périodes de Sahara vert et humide et impacts sur la dispersion et l’évolution des humains
Master thesis

Supervisor: Francesco PAUSATA
Complete: 2023 (link thesis)

Dans cette étude, nous utilisons un modèle climatique régional afin de simuler des périodes archétypes du Sahara vert, ainsi que désertique, sous des conditions d’insolation estivale boréale élevée et faible, et étudions les impacts résultant des changements climatiques et leurs extrêmes en Afrique centrale et australe, notamment dans la région centrale, la Zambie. Nos résultats indiquent des conditions plus chaudes et sèches sous les conditions du Sahara vert par rapport aux périodes du Sahara désertique. Plus précisément, les périodes de sécheresse sont allongées, et les températures extrêmes simulées sont plus chaudes en Zambie dans la simulation du Sahara vert. Nos résultats suggèrent que lors des périodes du Sahara désertique, la Zambie aurait possiblement offert de meilleures conditions environnementales pour les hominidés dans le grand plateau centrafricain. En revanche, les périodes du Sahara vert ont offert les conditions inverses, forçant potentiellement les populations d’hominidés de se disperser à travers les grandes vallées vers le plateau centrafricain ainsi que vers le nord via le Sahel et le Sahara

Geneviève POTHIER BOUCHARD

genevieve.pothier.bouchard@umontreal.ca

A ZooMS-informed archaeozoological and taphonomic analysis comparing Neanderthal and Homo sapiens subsistence behaviors in Northwest Italy

Supervisor: Julien RIEL-SALVATORE ; Co-supervisor: Ariane BURKE
Start date: 2015 - CRSH Joseph-Arman-Bombardier Fellowship

Complete: 2021 (link thesis)

Scientific interests:

• Hunting strategies during the Middle-Upper Paleolithic transition

• Prehistoric hunter-gatherer subsistence behaviors

• Archaeozoology and taphonomy

• Collagen fingerprinting (Zooarchaeology by Mass spectrometry)

My research interests are focused on the reconstruction of human subsistence behaviors during Middle and Upper Paleolithic periods. In my thesis I apply the ZooMS on the faunal collections excavated at Riparo Bombrini (Balzi Rossi), a site located in north-west Italy and spanning late archeological layers from the Middle-Upper Paleolithic transition. The ZooMS allows to identify fragmented animal bones by using diagnostic peptides from the dominant collagen protein contained in bones as a fingerprint of animal species. I am also experimenting with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to detect the presence of collagen in bones and to study burned bones.

Education

2015-2021. Ph.D. Anthropology (Archaeozoology), Montreal University, Qc, Canada
2013-2015. M.A. Anthropology (Archaeozoology), Montreal University, Qc, Canada
2010-2013. Bachelor’s Honours, Baccalaureate in Anthropology (Archaeology)

Catharina IGREJAS LOPES MARTINS COSTA

catharina.igrejas.lopes.martins.costa@umontreal.ca

Paleoenvironmental reconstruction of Beringia through a GIS
Master thesis

Supervisor: Ariane BURKE
Start date: 2020
Complete: 2023 (link thesis)

Scientific interests

• Peopling of the Americas

• Upper Paleolithic

• GIS Modelling

• Lithic technology

My masters research focuses on the peopling of the Americas, more specifically on whether the “Beringian Standstill” hypothesis is viable (this hypothesis claims there was a genetic bottleneck in Beringia prior to or during the Last Glacial Maximum). I will therefore attempt to create a GIS-based map of Beringia through an analysis of the already published paleoenvironmental data from sites in Eastern (Alaska & Yukon) as well as Western (Eastern Siberia) Beringia, in order to determine the viability of the landscape for human migration into the American continent.

Education

2020-2023. MSc Anthropologie (archaelogy), University of Montreal, QC, Canada
2019. BA Archaeology, University College London, Londres, United Kingdom.Thesis: From Yukon to Piaui : A critical evaluation of the evidence for a ‘pre-Clovis’ presence in the Americas

FÉLIX MAROIS

felix.marois@umontreal.ca

Impact of aeolian sediment transport on calcified tissues: experimental taphonomy in subarctic conditions.   
Master thesis

Supervisor: Ariane BURKE; James KING 
Start date: 2020
Complete : 2023

Scientific Interests 

• Aeolian abrasion and polishing 

• Pseudo-tools 

• Experimental taphonomy 

• Peopling of the Americas 

My masters research focuses on characterising the effects of wind-blown sediment on calcified tissues. I will experimentally polish bones and teeth to better understand and quantify the effects of wind abrasion on these tissues. This will allow me compare aeolian and anthropic polishing. I will then attempt to determine the cause of polishing observed on artefacts from the Late Pleistocene found at Old Crow Flats in the Yukon and thus hopefully contribute to the debate surrounding the early peopling of the Americas.               

Education  

2023. MSc Anthropologie (archaeology), University of Montréal, QC, Canada  
2017. B.A. in Biology, Laval University, Québec, Qc, Canada.