Asta Rand
Postdoctoral Researcher
Institute of Advanced Studies
Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń

Researcher Profile
I am a bioarchaeologist specializing in the study of past human behavior through the isotope analysis of human and animal remains. Currently, my research centers on understanding human-animal relationships in medieval East Central Europe using a multi-proxy approach that includes isotope analysis of archaeological animal remains. My past research has included developing novel archaeological science methods for studying prehispanic Maya communities. I have previously worked as a Lecturer and Postdoctoral Researcher at Cardiff University and a Per Course Instructure at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, I have worked as an osteologist on projects studying inhumation and cremation burials from East Central Europe, and I have experience as a field archaeologist in both Poland and Canada.
I joined the EUROpest project in 2025 as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Institute of Advanced Studies of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń under Adam Izdebski. My role in the project has involved advising on osteological and archaeological aspects of the project, identifying potential skeletal assemblages for inclusion in the study, and coordinating the design, development, and maintenance of the EUROpest website.