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