EXARC Team

The EXARC Team consists of a Secretariat, appointed and supervised by the EXARC Board. EXARC also has a Team of Volunteers appointed and supervised by the EXARC Secretariat. 

We have vacancies for the EXARC Team here: https://exarc.net/about-us/vacancies

EXARC Secretariat

Director: Matilda Siebrecht PhD (DE)
m.siebrecht@exarc.net
I manage contacts with volunteers, members, the EXARC Board and affiliate organisations. I specialised in experimental archaeology combined with microwear analysis. I also studied journalism at the London School of Journalism. My aim is to make archaeological research more approachable for non-specialists and the general public.

Design & Administration: Magdalena Zielińska BA (DK)
m.a.zielinska@exarc.net
I have been involved with EXARC from its beginnings. Starting in 2002 with making a small website to a few more websites and all graphic design products, including three corporate identities. From 2011 on, I am also responsible for designing the EXARC Journal online and the EXARC Journal Digest (printed version). Besides this, I work on the daily EXARC administration, while my focus stays on EU projects and other grants.

Podcast Coordinator, Online Calendar, Subtitling: Josephine Bersee (NL)
j.bersee@exarc.net
I have a masters degree in human geography and work experience in different areas and sectors. My jobs have often involved writing, editing and website maintenance a.o. for non-profit organizations, both in Dutch and English.  

Member support: Pascale Barnes (UK)
p.barnes@exarc.net 
I've been a member of EXARC since 2012, and most recently served on the Board as Chair (2019-2022). Previously, I was administrator at Ancient Technology Centre, Cranborne in the UK (2004-2017). I am very proud to work alongside the EXARC Team and will be the point of contact for our Anti-Harrassment Policy for our members and volunteers.

Advisor & EXARC Journal Executive Editor: Dr Roeland Paardekooper (DK)
r.p.paardekooper@exarc.net
Founder of EXARC with Martin Schmidt and Tomas Johansson. I have been a director of several museums accross Europe and advise interest groups on experimental archaeology or initiatives for new open-air museums. I also work with the EXARC Journal. 

Team of Volunteers and Their Projects

EXARC JOURNAL Editor-in-Chief: Mgr J. Katerina Dvoráková (UK)
k.dvorakova@exarc.net
I became involved with the original Czech REA from its second number in 2001 and was at the foundation of EuroREA, now the EXARC Journal. I overview the overall preparation of both the online Journal and printed Digest. Among other tasks this includes answering questions from contributors, coordinating the work of our editors, keeping in contact with reviewers, sending out proofs and discussing issues with our designer. 

For more information see EXARC Journal Editorial Board

Podcast & #FinallyFriday: Phoebe Baker (UK)
p.baker@exarc.net 
I have a BA in Archaeology and now specialise in early prehistory, looking more specifically at early adhesives, clothing and technology. I am using experimental archaeology as a major component of my Master's thesis. With EXARC, I'm one of the hosts of the #FinallyFriday podcast.

Podcast & #FinallyFriday: Jess Shaw (UK)
j.shaw@exarc.net
I have an MSc in Experimental Archaeology, have previously worked as a professional cavewoman, and as a tutor for the Ancient Technology Centre. I have the pleasure of interviewing interesting people for the EXARC #FinallyFriday podcast...

A/V processing: Libbe Bjerknæs (DK)
I have a BA in Prehistoric archaeology from the University of Copenhagen and education in webdesign and commerce. I help with social media strategy and can also edit photos, audio and video for online distribution across popular internet platforms.

Coordinator European Archaeology Days & International Conference Organisation: Lygeri Papagiannaki MA (FR)
l.papagiannaki@exarc.net
I have a background in Prehistoric Archaeology with a specialisation in use-wear analysis. After completing my Master's degree I pursued a career in cultural mediation and public outreach in open-air museum in France. Since 2020 I've expanded my professional expertise in the field of cultural development and project management. My interest in experimental archaeology, ethnoarchaeology, ancient technologies and museum education are still very much alive and nurtured through my work with EXARC.

Social Media coordinator: Federico Cappadona (IT)
f.cappadona@exarc.net 
I have a MA in Applied Archaeology (Leiden University) and a MA in Medieval Archaeology (University of Pisa). I am interested in the educational implications of Experimental Archaeology and the role it can play to rise social awareness. I am part of the Social Media Team. My main areas of focus are: education, Archaeological Open-Air Museums, waterwheels and hydraulic technology.

Social Media: Mohsen Derakhshan Hooreh (NL)
mohsen@exarc.net
I joined EXARC Team in early 2021. With an extensive background of Societies' History self studies, I am using my cross-cultural Marketing & Communications skills in EXARCs social media efforts.

Team Member: Kees Huyser (NL)
EXARC Member
Since the early '90s of the last century I've been a re-enactor of both the Viking period, and of WW2. In my Viking persona I show kids and their parents what kit a warrior would have, such as a mail shirt, helmet, shield and sword and what the cost of such equipement would be. As a WW2 re-enactor I've participated for many years in the Commando March from Achnacarry Castle to Spean Bridge Station in the Scottish Highlands...

Archaeological Open-Air Museum Listings Manager: Cinzia Costanzo (IT)
c.costanzo@exarc.net
BA in Archaeology and Art History at Roma Tre University, with a focus to Classical Archaeology and Ancient Roman Architecture (my final thesis topic is on "Architectural elements in brick in the Roman Imperial Age buildings"). I have gained a long experience in digital media applied to the preservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, and in particular in the management of online museums databases and cultural content.

Dutch Conference Organisation: Dorothee Olthof MA (NL)
EXARC Member
I have studied Prehistory at Leiden University and got my master's degree there. After a few years of excavating I turned my attention to archaeology & education. First as a prehistoric inhabitant of Archeon and coordinator of the prehistoric part there, from 2007 onwards with my own company for archaeology & education, PRAE...

EXARC Journal Listing Agent: Dr Silje Evjenth Bentsen (NO)
EXARC Member
My primary research interests are combustion features, pyrotechnology, and the use of fire among hunter-gatherers. I am currently a Claude Leon Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, where I work on fire-related behaviour, human culinary technology and site formation processes at the Middle Stone Age site Klasies River, South Africa. Experimental archaeology is an important component of my research...

Ambassador, Social Media Officer (Facebook): Giovanna Fregni PhD (IT)
EXARC Member
I am an independent researcher with a specialisation in non-ferrous metals with a practical background in jewellery making and metalsmithing. My research ranges from smelting ores and exploring early technology, to replicating metalworking techniques from the Bronze Age through Medieval Period. My greatest passion however, is replicating hammers, anvils, and other tools and using those to better understand metalworking technology in antiquity...

Senior Advisor: Jenny Inker PhD (US)
I provide grant writing support and consultancy to EXARC. I am an assistant professor in the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) College of Health Professions Department of Gerontology and a freelance grant writer.

Ambassador, Senior Advisor: Dott.ssa Maura Stefani (IT)
Representing EXARC Member
I am graduated in Archaeology and Conservation of Archaeological heritage after my studies at Ca' Foscary University of Venice, with a scentific thesis in Archaeozoology. Since 2005 I took part in several archaeological excavations in some Prehistoric sites of Northeastern Italy with University of Ferrara. My interest in Prehistory and Didactic brought me to Livelet, where I work since March 2009...

REARC Team: Neil Peterson (CA)
EXARC Member
I have been involved with re-enactment/interpretation for over 25 years, and heavily involved with experimental work specifically in the areas of Viking Era Iron Smelting, and Bead Production for over a decade. I have interpreted for, participated in or run training sessions with, and lectured at a number of museums around North America on various topics focused in the Viking Era.

Archäoforum: Michael Müller cand. Phd (DE)
I am a PhD candidate at the Institute of Prehistory at the FU Berlin. My research interests are the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods in Europe and I focus especially on anthropomorphic representations and hoards. For my master thesis I worked on Neolithic and Chalcolithic anthropomorphic figurines from Southeastern Europe. For my PhD, I am investigating the depositions of the Funnelbeaker culture, particularly those with flint axe heads. In connection to that I started to do some experimental work with flint knapping and grinding of axe heads.