Hester Crothers

Background

Hester holds a BSc (Hons) in Geography and an MSc in Quaternary Science from Royal Holloway, University of London. She has developed a broad skillset in palaeoecological and geoarchaeological techniques through her work within QUEST, supporting both research and applied consultancy projects. Her experience spans laboratory analysis, fieldwork, and the development of methodological approaches to palaeoenvironmental reconstruction, particularly within Quaternary contexts.

Role

As a Geoarchaeology Technician at Quaternary Scientific, Hester undertakes a wide range of palaeoecological analyses and fieldwork activities. She is responsible for the day-to-day management of the QUEST palaeoecology laboratories and oversees the scheduling and delivery of palynological sample processing.
Hester supports teaching and research within QUEST and the wider School, while also working closely with the QUEST Director on administrative, invoicing, and project coordination tasks. She collaborates with clients and external specialists to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and to a high standard. In addition, she contributes to the refinement and development of geoarchaeological methods, helping to expand and improve the range of services offered by QUEST.

Research Interests

Hester's research interests include:

• Palaeoecological and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the Quaternary;
• Vegetative and faunal responses to climate-driven environmental change;
• Millennial- to centennial-scale climate change throughout the Quaternary period.