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Researcher

Dr Karen Louise Privat

Biography

Role

Major responsibility for managing research and training on the JEOL JXA-8500F Hyperprobe (EPMA), training and support across SEM & EDS platforms, and additional support for various instruments.

Interests

Archaeological Science - palaeodietary & palaeoenvironmental reconstruction via stable isotope analysis of floral and faunal remains; chemical analysis of artefacts using microscopy-based techniques (e.g. EPMA).

Additional active...view more

Role

Major responsibility for managing research and training on the JEOL JXA-8500F Hyperprobe (EPMA), training and support across SEM & EDS platforms, and additional support for various instruments.

Interests

Archaeological Science - palaeodietary & palaeoenvironmental reconstruction via stable isotope analysis of floral and faunal remains; chemical analysis of artefacts using microscopy-based techniques (e.g. EPMA).

Additional active collaborations in Geology and Materials Science & Engineering

Public outreach and integration of art & science - participation in Ku-ring-gai Art+Science project and exhibition at Manly Art Gallery & Museum (December 2016-February 2017)


My Grants

Infrastructure Grants:

  • 2019 UNSW RIS Scheme: "High Resolution High Sensitivity Cathodoluminescence System"

 

Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre Staff Grants:

  • 2019: "Investigation of Mummy Textiles via Variable-Pressure SEM and SEM-EDS" (with colleagues at the Nicholson Museum & Sydney Analytical, University of Sydney)
  • 2018: "Three-dimensional Rendering of SEM Images for Data Visualisation and Outreach"
  • 2016: "The Effects of Weathering on Obsidian Artefacts for Portable XRF Analysis" (with Sarah Kelloway, SSEAU)
  • 2014: "A SEM Microstructural Investigation of Peruvian Early Green Glazed Ware: Exploring Potting Practices in Early 16th Century Peru" (with Sarah Kelloway, SSEAU)
  • 2013: "The Analysis of Gordion Glasses by LA-ICP-MS" (with Helen Rutlidge, SSEAU; and Wendy Reade, University of Sydney)
  • 2011: "Preparation and Three-Dimensional Chemical and Crystallographic Characterisation of Complex Samples by Electron Probe Microanalysis and Electron Backscatter Diffraction" (with Md Zakaria Quadir of EMU)

My Qualifications

D.Phil. University of Oxford, UK (2005)

M.Sc. University of Sheffield, UK (1999)

B.A. Lawrence University, USA (1997)


My Research Activities

Archaeological Science:

  • EPMA analysis of glass vessels to investigate raw materials, manufacturing techniques, and trade/exchange mechanisms
  • SEM (& EDS) examination of ceramic vessel body and glaze morphology and composition to examine firing methodology, raw material sourcing and manufacturing logistics
  • Palaeodietary and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction via light stable isotope analysis of faunal and floral remains

 

Geology:

  • Reconstruction of formation processes and investigation of economic viability of deposits via EPMA analysis (collaborations with Graham group, UNSW School of BEES)

 

Materials Science & Engineering:

  • Development and characterisation of new industrial materials using waste streams as source components (collaborations with UNSW SMaRT Centre)
  • Mentor, SEM-EDS trainer and collaborator with students from Bassman group (Harvey Mudd College, USA) via US National Science Foundation IRES grant scheme

My Engagement

Collaboration with Bonita Ely (UNSW Art & Design) for Ku-ring-gai pH Art+Science project, 2016: "Sight - Cite - Site"

https://youtu.be/f31l1XrPun0 (from 14:30)

https://youtu.be/66DFePhGl9Q

 

 


My Teaching

Within UNSW MWAC, Electron Microscope Unit:

  • One-on-one teaching - SEM, EDS & EPMA
  • Development & delivery of teaching materials (presentations, workshops, instrument user guides)

 

Current or past involvement (lecturing and/or tutorials) in UNSW courses:

  • BIOS3721: Hunters & Gatherers
  • HIST2668
  • ARTS1180: Introduction to Archaeology
  • ARTS2180: Archaeology- Theories, Methods, and Practices
  • CHEM6041: Advanced Instrumental Analysis
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Location

Electron Microscope Unit
Chemical Sciences Building (F10), Basement
Kensington Campus, UNSW

Map reference (Google map)

Contact

+61293856468
+61293856400

Videos

A short featurette of one of the many instruments I use - and train researchers to use - in the EMU
Participants in the Ku-ring-gai pH Art+Science project reflect on their process in generating collaborative artworks for the final exhibition inspired by the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Bonita Ely & I are featured at 14:30-18:30, using the Hitachi S-3400N scanning electron microscope at the UNSW EMU to generate images for our work.
Bonita Ely (UNSW Art & Design) and I discuss our collaboration "Sight - Cite - Site" for the Ku-ring-gai pH Art+Science project, 2016-2017.
You Won't Find This at Home - Scanning Electron Microscope
Eramboo Artist Environment, "Impressions"
Scientist Karen Privat and artist Bonita Ely explain how they collaborated to create an installation in response to Ku-ring-gai National Park. Video by Lisa Roberts for LivingData