Dr Susan Greaney

Dr Susan Greaney is a Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Exeter.

Susan is an archaeologist who specialises in the study of British prehistory, particularly monuments of the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. Her PhD (funded by the AHRC, and completed at Cardiff and Southampton Universities) focused on the Neolithic monument complexes of Britain and Ireland. This work involved new radiocarbon dating of several major monuments in the Dorchester complex, Dorset, as well as a synthesis of how these complexes were built to relate to the natural features and the skies. Current research interests include ancient DNA, middle Neolithic proto-henges and burials and the late Neolithic-Chalcolithic transition.

Prior to joining University of Exeter, Susan worked for English Heritage as Senior Properties Historian, where she researched and wrote interpretation for various historic properties. Projects ranged from an exhibition and outdoor interpretation at Tintagel Castle, to a guidebook for Chysauster and Carn Euny Ancient Villages, to being lead archaeologist and curator for the Stonehenge visitor centre, including several temporary exhibitions there. Susan was named BBC New Generation Thinker in 2019, and has taken part in several BBC radio and TV programmes and podcasts.

Susan is currently accepting applications from PhD students.

Biography:

After studying for a BA in Archaeology and Prehistory at the University of Sheffield, I worked for a short time in commercial archaeology before taking an MSc in Professional Archaeology at the University of Oxford, a vocational course. Between 2005 and 2022 I worked for English Heritage as a Properties Historian, having oversight of archaeological and curatorial content of visitor displays at prehistoric sites, particularly Stonehenge, but also with major projects at Avebury, Grimes Graves, Thornborough Henges, Tintagel and Chysauster Ancient Village. My PhD was completed part-time at Cardiff University between 2014 and 2022, during which time I also worked as a postgraduate tutor and also as a freelance public engagement consultant for L-P Archaeology.

Research supervision:

I am open to discussing research proposals on any relevant subject in my research expertise. I am especially happy to consider working with candidates with interests in:

Neolithic and early Bronze Age Britain and Ireland

Radiocarbon dating

Monumentality

Heritage and museum interpretation