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ABOUT ME

Greetings! I'm Deepak Jha, a passionate scientist driven by a  curiosity to explore Earth's climate and their impact on human evolution. With a PhD from the renowned Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, India, I have embarked on a journey to uncover the complexities of human-environment relationships during the Quaternary Period.

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My research is focused on understanding the intricate relationship between climate instability and human history, particularly through multidisciplinary investigations at archaeological sites across the Asia.

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Through the lens of stable isotope geochemistry, organic geochemistry, and paleoclimatology, I decipher the climate stories told by carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen isotopes preserved in geological and archaeological archives. Fossilized charcoals provide further clues, shedding light on past fire activities and the interactions between ancient humans and their environment. My expertise extends to Sr and Nd isotopes, allowing me to trace the origins of sediments and stone tools with precision.


Currently, I am engaged in research at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Jena, Germany, where I continue to push the boundaries of archaeology and geoscience. I am also associated to the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry as a guest scientist, enriching my interdisciplinary approach to research.
Recently, I have accepted a visiting professor position at the School of Archaeology, University of the Philippines. In this role, I am excited to share my knowledge and passion with students through an interdisciplinary course titled "Application of Biomarkers and Stable Isotopes in Archaeology." My goal is to equip future generations of archaeologists with the tools and skills needed to unravel the mysteries of our shared past.


Join me on this journey of discovery as we dig deeper into the fascinating world of geology, archaeology, and human history, uncovering the secrets that lie buried beneath the Earth's surface. Do reach out for any suggestions, ideas and future collaboration on mutual scientific interests!

EDUCATION

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Quaternary Paleoclimate

I'm curious to understand the past climatic variability during the Quaternary Period.

2016 - 2021

IISER Kolkata

PhD in Biogeochemistry and Quaternary Paleoclimatology

Organic Geochemistry

I use biomarkers from leaf-wax and Compound Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA) to understand past environment changes.

2013 - 2016

IISER Kolkata

MS in Geological Sciences

Stable Isotope Geochemistry

I also use the bulk isotope composition of N and C isotope to understand the biogeochemical cycling in soil and plants.

2010 - 2013

University of Delhi

BSc (Hons) in Geology

Geoarchaeology

I try to understand the site formation processes and reconstruct the paleoenvironmental condition of archaeological sites

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