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Based at Staffordshire University in Stoke on Trent, the Centre of Archaeology is committed to undertaking pioneering work in the fields of Holocaust Archaeology and forensic approaches to buried remains. Through the research of Professor Caroline Sturdy Colls and her interdisciplinary team, the first archaeological surveys have been completed at the extermination and labour camps at Treblinka (Poland), the sites pertaining to the slave labour programme in Alderney (the Channel Islands), the former Semlin camp (Serbia), killing sites in Adampol (Poland) and Bergen-Belsen (Germany). The Centre is also leading on a number of new international research projects focused on interdisciplinary approaches to the investigation of genocide and conflict. The Centre has developed a unique approach to the investigation of the Holocaust which draws upon techniques from archaeology, forensic investigation, history, geography, games technology and the digital humanities, amongst others. This approach allows Holocaust camps and killing sites to be examined in a way that respects their historic, religious and commemorative significance by employing a predominantly non-invasive approach. Staff at the Centre continue to work closely with a number of international organisations, including the Matzevah Foundation, Fundacja Zampomniane, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation, the Wiener Library and Rohatyn Jewish Heritage, as well staff at a wide range of Holocaust memorial sites and museums throughout Europe and the United States.

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Professor Caroline Sturdy Colls – Project Lead and Director of the Centre of Archaeology

Caroline is the Director of the Centre of Archaeology at Staffordshire University and Professor in Conflict Archaeology and Genocide Investigation. Her research focuses on the application of interdisciplinary approaches to the investigation of Holocaust landscapes, in particular using forensic archaeological and non-invasive surveying methods. She is the Project Lead for the “Recording Cultural Genocide and Killing Sites in Jewish Cemeteries Project”. Full Profile (opens in a new window).

Czelsie Weston, Research Assistant and PhD Student

Czelsie started her PhD studies in December 2015 at Staffordshire University, after completing her MSci in Forensic Science. She is researching how forensic archaeological approaches can be used to locate, record and disseminate information regarding killing sites of the Holocaust. As part of her role as a research assistant for the “Recording Cultural Genocide and Killing Sites in Jewish Cemeteries Project”, Czelsie will participate in fieldwork and play a leading role in developing the planned digital platform. Full Profile (opens in a new window).

Kevin Colls – Archaeological Project Manager at the Centre of Archaeology, Staffordshire University

Kevin is the lead Archaeological Project Manager for the Centre of Archaeology at Staffordshire University. He has directed and published archaeological projects throughout the Europe and has over 15 years’ experience in professional development-led archaeology. Kevin has directed several fieldwork projects at Holocaust sites, most recently in Ukraine. Full Profile (opens in a new window).

Mick Britton – Technical Skills Specialist (Laser Scanning)

Mick is a Technical Skills Specialist. With a background in engineering, Mick is a specialist in 3D laser scanning (using the FaroArm and Minolta laser scanners), reverse engineering and product design. Mick has a keen interest in the innovative application of technologies to an archaeological context and has collaborated on several projects aimed at developing hybrid surveying technologies for use in archaeological and forensic investigations.

Richard Harper – Lecturer in Games and Visual Effects

Rich is a lecturer in Games and Visual effects, with experience across many fields of the entertainment industry. He has a keen interest in Films, Games and Visual Effects technologies.

Rich is currently responsible for the Entertainment technology teams for Games, Film VFX and Music at Staffordshire University.