Ms. Effimia Angeli | Prehistoric Archaeology | Best Researcher Award
Ms. Effimia Angeli, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Poland
Effimia Angeli is an accomplished archaeologist and PhD candidate at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Poland. Born on June 7, 1991, she has developed expertise in Neolithic pottery, focusing on Central Greece. Her passion for archaeology began during her undergraduate studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology and History of Art in 2014. She went on to pursue a Master’s in Mediterranean Archaeology at the University of Nottingham, completing her thesis on Neolithic painted ware. Effimia has participated in various archaeological projects across Greece and Poland, working extensively in field excavations, museum curation, and digital documentation. Her current PhD research delves into pottery as a source of information on Neolithic communities in Phthiotis, Greece. She continues to present her findings at international conferences, contributing to our understanding of ancient Mediterranean cultures.
Professional Profile
Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award: Effimia Angeli
Effimia Angeli’s extensive academic background, research contributions, and practical experience in archaeology make her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. She holds a Master’s degree in Mediterranean Archaeology from the University of Nottingham with distinction and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in archaeology, focusing on the Neolithic communities of Greece. Her diverse and high-quality research includes significant contributions to the understanding of pottery as a historical source, showcasing her ability to connect material culture to broader anthropological questions. Her publications in international journals, coupled with her participation in numerous excavation projects across Europe, reflect her ongoing commitment to advancing the field of archaeology.
Education
Education Effimia Angeli’s academic journey reflects her deep interest in archaeology. She is currently a PhD candidate at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Poland, where her dissertation explores Neolithic pottery from Phthiotis, Central Greece, examining the period from 6370–5300 BC. She earned her Master of Arts in Mediterranean Archaeology from the University of Nottingham, UK, in 2019. Her MA thesis focused on the development of painted ware during the Middle and Late Neolithic periods in Central Greece, receiving a Distinction. Before that, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology and History of Art at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2014, with a thesis examining pottery in early Greek settlements. Her education has provided her with both theoretical knowledge and practical field experience, shaping her into an expert on Neolithic pottery and its role in ancient civilizations.
🏆 Grants
In 2024–2025, the Association for Environmental Archaeology (AEA) awarded a grant of 1961 GBP for the project “Environment and Interactions in Neolithic Greece: geoarchaeological research at Halai (Central Greece).” Led by Principal Investigator E. Angeli, the project focuses on exploring environmental and human interactions during the Neolithic period through geoarchaeological investigations at the site of Halai.
Experience
Experience Effimia Angeli has a broad range of archaeological experience. Since 2021, she has participated in 13 rescue excavations in Poland, contributing to projects with firms like ArchaeoAdventure and Azupiranu Archaeological Services. She has worked on excavation sites across Poland, including medieval churches and cemeteries, gaining experience in digital documentation and excavation management. In Greece, Effimia has been part of the Cornell Halai and East Lokris Project since 2012, focusing on the study of Neolithic pottery. Her prior roles also include curatorial work for various Greek museums, where she was involved in the digital recording of collections. Her experience extends to training undergraduate students in archaeological drawing, excavation techniques, and pottery analysis. Effimia’s expertise spans prehistoric, medieval, and Roman archaeological contexts, making her a versatile and skilled professional in both field and academic settings.
Awards and Honors
Awards and Honors Effimia Angeli has achieved recognition for her academic and fieldwork contributions in archaeology. In 2023, she secured first place in the PhD evaluation procedure at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Poland, earning a 100% qualification for her research on Neolithic pottery. During her studies at the University of Nottingham, she was awarded a Distinction for her MA thesis on painted ware from Thessaly and Central Greece. Effimia has also been invited to present her research at prestigious international conferences, including the European Association of Archaeologists’ Annual Meetings and the Belgrade Conference on Archaeological Pottery. Her contributions to publications and her role as a field team leader in various excavation projects have earned her respect among her peers. Effimia’s dedication to the advancement of archaeological knowledge has been consistently recognized throughout her career.
Research Focus
Research Focus Effimia Angeli’s research is centered on Neolithic pottery, with a specific focus on Central Greece. Her PhD dissertation examines pottery as a source of information about Neolithic communities in Phthiotis from 6370 to 5300 BC. Effimia’s approach combines macroscopic analysis and conceptual metaphor theory to understand the symbolic and functional uses of pottery in ancient societies. Her previous work has explored the development of painted ware during the Middle and Late Neolithic periods, comparing regional differences between Thessaly and Central Greece. Effimia is particularly interested in the intersection of material culture and community identity, using ceramics as a lens through which to understand trade, social interaction, and environmental adaptation in prehistoric Greece. Her research also touches on the influence of natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, on settlement patterns and pottery styles in coastal regions.