Johan Kool has a background in organic geochemistry and soil science. He nowadays applies techniques (such as pyrolysis-GC/MS) from these research areas on archeological problems. Not much is yet known about the degradation of organic remains, in particular seeds, in archeological findings. Obtaining this information is crucial for optimalisation of the conservation of these materials in archeological heritages. The aim of his research is to construct a model that helps to set the optimum conditions for in situ preservation, as well as to gain better understanding of the workings of the degradation process itself.
In October 2004 I started my Ph.D in this field. For a more detailed description see the Current Work section.