Nicole Casaccia

PhD student (39th cycle) in Cultural and Environmental Heritage, curriculum 2: Science and Technologies for Cultural Heritage

Research project: Exploring non-destructive IR spectroscopic methods for pre-screening
archaeological remains in support of radiocarbon dating

I conduct research in archaeometry, with a specific focus on the application of mid- and near-infrared spectroscopy for the preliminary, non-invasive assessment of the suitability of archaeological materials — primarily bone and wood — for radiocarbon dating.

This work aims to contribute to the preservation and safeguarding of increasingly rare and valuable archaeological materials by optimizing sample selection strategies and reducing time and costs in radiocarbon laboratories.

The research is carried out at the Bologna Radiocarbon Laboratory devoted to Human Evolution (BRAVHO), within the Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician” at the University of Bologna