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Joe Dortch is an archaeologist with extensive experience in academic research and applied heritage management. He completed his PhD at the University of Western Australia focusing on Aboriginal responses to environmental changes in southwestern Australia since the glacial period, around 20,000 years ago. His research investigates archaeological evidence of Late Pleistocene faunal extinctions and examines past Aboriginal burning and landscape management practices. Joe collaborates with geneticists and Aboriginal stakeholders for ancient and modern DNA analysis. As a consultant, he has advised communities and industries on archaeological heritage, conducting over 200 assessments for Aboriginal organizations, resource companies, private developers, and government agencies, always integrating cultural heritage protection into major development projects. Throughout his academic career, he has taught courses in archaeological field and laboratory methods, as well as applied theory in the intersection of environmental and social sciences. Joe is an advocate for stronger heritage protections and holds leadership roles as the President and Vice-President of the Australian Archaeological Association. His research interests lie in environmental archaeology, Aboriginal land management, and the interaction between humans and the environment.
University of Western Australia • Perth, WA, Australia
Research in archaeological methods and heritage management.
Department of Environment & Conservation, South-West Catchments Council, South Coast NRM • N/A
Worked on Aboriginal landscape transformations.
University of Sydney • Sydney, Australia
Conducted research on megafauna taphonomy.
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