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About us Practical matters How to find us E.J. (Emily Johana) Ruiz Puerta, MSc

Research interests

Postdoctoral Researcher | Ancient Genomics | Arctic Archaeology | Arctic Anthropology

I am currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Arctic Centre, University of Groningen and a Guest Researcher at the Globe Institute from the University of Copenhagen, specializing in ancient and modern genomics with a focus on Arctic archaeology and anthropological studies under the ArcHeritage network.

My PhD work was part of the  MSCA-EU SeaChanges project, where I explored Arctic archaeology, ancient DNA (aDNA) and isotope analysis of Atlantic walruses with affiliations at both the Arctic Centre, University of Groningen, and the GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen.

I hold a Master’s degree in Sustainability, Conservation, and Spatial Planning from AgroParisTech and the MNHN of Paris, following my Bachelor’s in Biology from Universidad Cayetano Heredia, Peru.

My research interests lie in understanding the genetic adaptations of species, both ancient and modern, through ecological and archaeological lenses. I've conducted international research internships focused on genetic adaptation in various species, including camels, South American fur seals, and Atlantic walruses. Moreover, during the recent years, I have developed an interest in understanding human-animal-environment interactions through an anthropological lens, which is part of my current position as a postdoc. 

My work aims to connect the past with the present to inform sustainable futures.

 Current Affiliations:
Arctic Centre, University of Groningen, Netherlands

Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Publications

Greenland Norse walrus exploitation deep into the Arctic

The use of ancient genomes to unveil the evolutionary history and social implications of Atlantic walruses hunting during the last 5000 years in the Arctic

Diverging harvesting strategies of Atlantic walruses: An intercontinental comparison

Holocene deglaciation drove rapid genetic diversification of Atlantic walrus

Past genomic diversity and population structure within Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) shaped by climate and human activities

Deciphering the history of the largest extant pinniped: A phylogenetic study of the Atlantic walrus

Press/media

Arkeologia | Viikingit päätyivät pohjoiseen Grönlantiin arvokkaan saaliin perässä

Vikings and the historic trade in ivory

Los vikingos llegaron a América antes de Cristóbal Colón, el motivo: buscaban marfil de morsa

Arctic Ivory Road Hunters of white gold: Vikings sailed to the Arctic

Vikings Sailed to The Ends of Earth to Search For Ivory, DNA Suggests