Dr. John Marston

Assistant Professor

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Biography

John Marston is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies at the University of British Columbia. His academic work focuses on environmental archaeology and the study of ancient agricultural practices in the Mediterranean and Western Central Asia. Marston’s research addresses how ancient people have made decisions related to land use, particularly in changing economic, social, and environmental contexts. He specializes in paleoethnobotany, examining archaeological plant remains to develop innovative methods that link ecological theory with archaeological practices. His ongoing projects include reconstructing agricultural practices in Bronze and Iron Age urban centers in Turkey, as well as examining ancient sites in Israel and Greece. Marston's extensive publication record includes significant works on agricultural sustainability and methodological advancements in paleoethnobotany. He has received funding from various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation and the American Philosophical Society, further supporting his research endeavors.

Research Interests

Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology Western Central Asian Archaeology Ancient Agriculture Environmental Change Empires Archaeobotany Environmental Archaeology

Experience

Visiting Professor

2024-01-01 — Present

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

Teaching and conducting research in the Department of Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies.

Professor

2023-01-01 — Present

Boston University • Boston, MA

Directing the Environmental Archaeology Laboratory and teaching courses in Archaeology and Anthropology.

Director

2012-01-01 — Present

Boston University Environmental Archaeology Laboratory • Boston, MA

Overseeing research and projects related to environmental archaeology.

Director

2020-01-01 — 2027-01-01

Program in Archaeology • Boston, MA

Managing the academic program in Archaeology.

Associate Professor

2019-01-01 — 2023-01-01

Boston University • Boston, MA

Teaching and conducting research within the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology.

Assistant Professor

2012-01-01 — 2019-01-01

Boston University • Boston, MA

Engaging in teaching and research in the field of Archaeology.

Postdoctoral Fellow

2012-01-01 — 2013-01-01

Joukowsky Institute of Archaeology & Ancient World, Brown University • Providence, RI

Conducting research related to ancient archaeology.

Awards

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Templeton Award for Excellence in Student Advising and Mentoring

2019-01-01
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James R. Wiseman Book Award

2019-01-01
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Gitner Award for Distinguished Teaching

2018-01-01

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.