Mike Simmonds
Background
Mike holds a BSc (Hons) in Physical Geography and an MSc in Geoarchaeology from the University of Reading. His PhD research examined the relationship between environmental change and human activities at the dryland–wetland interface across the Late Glacial–Holocene boundary in Southeast England. This work provided a clearer understanding of vegetation development in the region and informed recommendations for wetland and mire management from a palaeoenvironmental perspective.
Following his PhD, Mike further developed his teaching and research expertise through positions at the University of Reading, with a particular focus on the pedagogy of fieldwork skills and the Quaternary history of Britain and Europe. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society and a member of the British Cartographic Association.
Role
As Director at Quaternary Scientific, Mike leads the strategic development of the organisation while overseeing research, teaching, and consultancy activities. He works closely with clients, academic partners, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality geoarchaeological and palaeoenvironmental research. His combined expertise in Quaternary science and education underpins both project delivery and the continued development of field-based teaching and applied research within QUEST.
Research Interests
Mike's research interests include:
- Quaternary vegetation succession and climate change in Britain and Europe;
- Geoarchaeology and palaeoecology of London and Southeast England;
- GIS and remote sensing applications in geography and archaeology;
- The pedagogy of field teaching in higher education;
- The development of heathlands as a landscape and its relationship to modern management practices.
Please head to my departmental web page for further information: