We are excited to introduce Dr Carly Monks, our new Reporting & Deliverables Specialist at ALS.
With 15 years of experience in environmental archaeology, cultural heritage management, university teaching, research, and data analysis, Carly brings a diverse set of skills and a wealth of expertise to our team.
Born and raised in the Perth hills, Carly’s passion for the natural environment and human histories of southwestern Australia started early. A last-minute decision to add an archaeology unit to her first year Bachelor of Arts enrolment at UWA was a turning point, setting her on a path she has followed passionately ever since. She completed her Honours at the University of Sydney in 2008, followed by a Masters of Archaeological Science at ANU (2013) which she undertook while working full time as a heritage consultant in the Mid West and Pilbara of Western Australia.
Working closely with Aboriginal communities, Carly developed a deep appreciation for the relationship between culture and Country. This experience fueled her desire to further her research, leading her back to UWA for a PhD. Her doctoral research focused on the people, landscapes, and ecosystems of the northern Swan Coastal Plain (around Leeman, north of Perth), revealing how Aboriginal diets and activities adapted to climate and landscape changes while maintaining consistent use of key food resources.
Bill Bennell, Principal Director at ALS, shared, “We are excited to welcome Carly to our team. Her extensive background in environmental archaeology, combined with her dedication to community engagement, will be a tremendous asset to our ongoing work
As a trained zooarchaeologist (the archaeological study of animal remains) with an interest in palaeoecology (past ecosystems), Carly continues to collaborate with researchers and communities across Western Australia. Some recent projects she has been involved with include the Murujuga ‘Dynamics of the Dreaming’ project, and Prof. Peter Veth’s ‘Desert People’ Laureate project. Carly is especially enthusiastic about applying archaeological methods and data for conservation palaeoecology, and the importance of Indigenous data sovereignty in the age of open science.
Carly is dedicated to the continuing development of Australian archaeology as a discipline: within archaeological education, in the profession, and in the community more broadly. Having spent most of the past decade in the university sector, Carly has experience in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students and providing technical support to research and teaching staff. She is an active member of the Australian National Committee for Archaeology Teaching & Learning (ANCATL) and has conducted research examining Australian archaeology student demographics and career paths. She is an Associate Member of the Australian Association of Consulting Archaeologists, Inc. (AACAI) and has served on the National Executive Committee of the Australian Archaeological Association (AAA) for several years. In 2021, Carly was awarded Life Membership to AAA in recognition of her contributions to the Association. She is currently the Associate Editor for the Australian Archaeology journal.
When she’s not working, Carly enjoys spending time with her young family and exploring the forests around Perth and the southwest.
At ALS, Carly will leverage her writing and editing expertise and passion for community-focused work to support a range of critical functions across the company. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence will ensure that we meet the highest standards in all our projects.