Alex Whitehead

During my Bachelors and Masters of Science at the University of Liverpool, I electively sat multiple environmental science modules, and focused my dissertation topic on climactic / environmental variability during the Late Pleistocene, to approach the issue of megafaunal extinctions. Most notably of these modules was Ecology & Conservation which introduced me to environmental / ecological science. Additional modules included Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology which provided a framework for understanding how organisms respond to environmental change, and how this change causes major extinctions and transitions in evolution.

 I have been employed by Oxford Archaeology for six months as a field archaeologist, which involves recording of technical data from excavated material. One might expect that my background being not strictly in environmental science would hinder my ability to adapt to this role. On the contrary, I am also not strictly from an archaeological background either, yet, after undertaking my position as field archaeologist at Oxford Archaeology, I surprised myself and my peers at my adaptability and performance very early on, as is reflected in my references. I am now aspiring to transition to a career where I can use my understanding of the past to help to preserve the future.

➢ Employed by Oxford Archaeology as a Field Archaeologist (10/2023 – 04/2024). Working on a construction site, excavating and recording archaeology, under strict time constraints. ▪ Data recording, handling, and interpreting. ▪ Wording outdoors in all conditions. ▪ Teamwork and coordination. ▪ Report writing. ▪ CSCS card and safety training. 

➢ Employed by Unity Academy Blackpool as a teaching assistant (05/2018 – 05/2021). Worked with students in core subjects: Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. ▪ Teaching and communication skills. 

➢ Volunteered in community engagement (outreach) programmes with the University of Liverpool teaching students about prehistory (2023). ▪ Public outreach and community engagement skills. 

➢ Multiple hospitality positions (2018). ▪ Client interaction

Environmental Science Education 

➢ Multiple dedicated environmental science modules, including Ecology & Conservation. 

➢ Assisted in data recording in conservation fieldwork. 

➢ Strong understanding of contemporary and prehistoric climate change. 

➢ Pleistocene climatic and environmental variability was the focus of my dissertation.

Academic Record 

➢ University of Liverpool 

➢ BSc (Hons) Evolutionary Anthropology (2022), 1st class (78%). ➢ MSc Palaeoanthropology (2023), distinction (82%). 

➢ Awarded PGT dissertation prize for highest dissertation in the department (90%), which was considered publishable by reviewers.