Andy Barlow (BDS MSc)

Thesis title: Cotton Town Blues - investigating inequality through stable isotope analysis, in a 19th century cemetary population of Blackburn, Lancashire

Biography

Background

I originally qualified from the Dental School of University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1988 and spent over 20 years working in NHS practice in both Lancashire and Oxfordshire.  

Following retirement from clinical practice it was suggested I return to study and completed my MSc in Human Osteoarchaeology here in Edinburgh in 2016.

I immediately embarked upon PhD study and am currently carrying this on a part-time basis, as I was appointed as Archaeology Laboratory Technician in the department in January 2019.

Qualifications

BDS - University of Newcsatle upon Tyne

MSc - The University of Edinburgh

Responsibilities & affiliations

Archaeology Lab Technician

 

Research summary

Stable isotope analysis for dietary reconstruction

Current research interests

My current PhD is based on stable isotope analysis of bone and incremental dentine samples from a 19th century burial ground in Blackburn, Lancashire. The study aims to investigate possible dietary changes and inequalities, as Blackburn developed rapidly into a major industrial centre at the height of the expansion of the cotton industry during this period.

Past research interests

My MSc dissertation involved stable isotope analysis of incremental dentine samples from teeth excavated from the Chalcolithic site of Camlibel Tarlasi, in Central Anatolia. Two distinct burial patterns were evident at the site and the analysis of samples from both was aimed at investigating if diet had any role to play in this. Results appeared to indicate that the different burial practices may have been influenced by the weaning status of individuals. Work in this area is ongoing.
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