Monica Gala
Postdoc/ Research Engineer in avian zooarchaeology
PACEA
GPR Human Past – WP 2- Action 1/Innovative Action 2/Innovative Action 4
monarix%40yahoo.it
Research Interests
Zooarchaeology, focusing on the analysis of bird remains from paleontological and archaeological sites. My particular interests include morphometric and taphonomic analyses, exploring the processes that affect the preservation and distribution of birds.
I delve into the intersection of ethnoarchaeology and experimental zooarchaeology to understand the cultural and technological aspects of human-bird interactions. This includes investigating the origins of bird exploitation by humans and the treatment of bird carcasses by prehistoric hunters.
My research has primarily focused on Middle and Upper Paleolithic avifaunal assemblages in Europe, examining the diversity and significance of birds in prehistoric diets and subsistence strategies. Building on this foundation, I have expanded my investigations to include the Lesser Antilles, providing new insights into the evolution of avian biodiversity during the Upper Pleistocene and Holocene and the interactions between human populations and birds in these island ecosystems.
Curriculum Vitae
Current Position
February – April 2023 Research Engineer in avian zooarchaeology
PACEA – GPR Human Past
Supervisor: Arnaud Lenoble
Education
2017-2021 PhD in prehistory
University of Bordeaux, France
1999-2002 Postgraduate degree in Prehistoric Archaeology
La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
1991-1998 University degree in Prehistoric Archaeology
La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
Professional Work Experience
Field Laboratory
From 1997 External collaborator
Sezione di Paleontologia del Quaternario e Archeozoologia of the Soprintendenza al Museo Nazionale Preistorico Etnografico “L. Pigorini” (Rome, Italy)
Archaeological Fieldwork Experience
Interporto Roma-Fiumicino (2001- 2008)
Director: C. Morelli (Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici di Ostia)
Technical skills
Specialist in osteology and taphonomy of birds
Expertise in Caribbean natural environments
Understanding of taphonomic processes in tropical environments
Constructing 3D models to facilitate detailed anatomical analysis and comparative studies
Publications
Gala, Monica, et al. “Evidence of a Late Holocene giant barn owl (Aves: Strigiformes: Tytonidae) in Guadeloupe.” Journal of Caribbean Ornithology, 35, 2022 p. 6. https://www.jco.birdscaribbean.org/index.php/jco/article/view/1283