In early 2023 we welcomed Asimina Porrou to the team as a Project Officer. In the blog post Asimina introduces herself and outlines her experience in maritime archaeology so far.
As an ambitious maritime archaeologist from Greece – a country with a rich history and archaeological significance, I am more than aware and connected with the stories that build the bridge between people and the sea. I am interested in exploring the oceans further through marine management and survey. My interest in heritage and love of the sea initially led and continually inspired me to pursue my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. While an undergraduate exchange student at the Freie Universität in Berlin, I explored archaeology’s theoretical background and improved my research ability. During my time studying, I committed myself to courses that focused on how people have historically engaged with their landscapes and how the impact of history has shaped the modern world. I further developed my practical skills in diving, surveying, and recording features, including drawn records, photography and photogrammetry.
My strong interest in these topics led me to pursue a master’s program in Maritime Archaeology at the University of Southampton in 2021. I am interested in human connections and trade. My enthusiasm for maritime interactions led me to my dissertation research that examined the nature and the extent of maritime networks mapping the distribution, circulation, and dissemination of material culture in the Aegean.
I have over four years of experience in the research and commercial archaeology sector and in outreach programs in Greece and the UK. I have been involved with and helped develop projects within large teams and individuals. Since finishing my studies, I’ve worked as a Maritime Archaeologist with multiple marine contractors, gaining exposure to, and a greater commercial awareness of, marine infrastructure development projects, including harbour constructions, dredging, and offshore cable projects. While working as a Marine Archaeologist, I have completed documentation, and archaeological inspections with ROV and remote sensing surveying, supplying preventative protection and managing underwater archaeology.
I was more than excited when MSDS Marine offered me a position as a Project Officer. Working at MSDS is the next step in my professional life: It will allow me to utilise my past research and in-the-field work experiences to unlock new knowledge of maritime archaeology. I will also be able to work alongside like-minded, self-motivated professionals that are passionate about the marine environment and large-scale underwater projects. My focus is on marine geophysics, especially collecting, processing, and interpreting geophysical and hydrographic data for archaeology, as well as many opportunities to get involved in all areas of their work in the Mediterranean.
I look forward to contributing my skills and enthusiasm to high-profile marine development projects to support the MSDS Marine team.
