Staff profile

Background

I undertook my BA and MA at University College Cork (2003-2007) before working in the UK commercial archaeology sector, primarily as an archaeobotanist, since 2008. I am also editor of Archaeologia Aeliana; the journal of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Research

I am undertaking research on the environmental archaeology work (specifically the archaeobotanical work) of the Carlisle Archaeological Unit from 1977-2002; including reassessment of previous work and new analysis of unprocessed soil samples previously stored at Tullie House Museum. This research primarily looks at charred plant macrofossils (seeds, cereal grains and charcoal).

My research focuses on the creation of the archaeobotanical record, particularly the natural, archaeological and contemporary factors which work to preserve or destroy this record. I am also interested in proceedures and standards of archaeobotanical work on a broader national scale.

Book review

• O'Meara, D. (online). The Cambridge World Prehistory. Archaeological review from Cambridge, 199-206

Chapter in book

• O'Meara, D. (2018). The Riddle of the Sands: Sieving Methodology in the Recovery of Human Remains. In M. Holst, & M. Alexander (Eds.), Trends in Biological Anthropology 2 (91-101). Oxbow Books
• O'Meara, D. (2014). Ruminating on the Past: A History of Digestive Taphonomy in Experimental Archaeology. In J. Reeves Flores, & R. Paardekooper (Eds.), Experiments Past: Histories of Experimental Archaeology (131-145). Sidestone Press

Journal Article

• Moore, B., Hird, L., O’Meara, D., Padley, T., & Stoakley, M. (online). Southworth Quarry, Winwick, 2013: Excavation of a Roman Rural Settlement
• Gerard, J., Agate, A., Seddon, B., Hayward, K., O’Meara, D., & Rielly, K. (2017). The deserted medieval settlement at (?)Barrow, Odcombe, Somerset: trial excavations in 2014
• O’Brien, C., Adams, M., Haycock, D., O’Meara, D., & Pennie, J. (2014). The Early Ecclesiastical Complexes Of Carrowmore and Clonca and their Landscape Context in Inishowen, County Donegal
• Railton, M., Bradley, J., Millar, I., Stoakley, M., Jackson, D., O’Meara, D., & Hall, A. (2014). Peter Gate, Cumwhinton: Archaeological investigation of a medieval rural site