Born: 1964
Biography:
Alice Gorman is an Australian archaeologist, heritage consultant, and lecturer, born in 1964. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work in the field of space archaeology and her influential Space Age Archaeology blog. Throughout her career, Gorman has made significant contributions to the study of Indigenous stone tools, the archaeology of orbital debris, terrestrial launch sites, and satellite tracking stations.
Gorman’s academic journey began in 1986 when she graduated with a B.A. (Hons) from The University of Melbourne. She then worked as an archaeological consultant in the Indigenous heritage management sector. However, her passion for both astrophysics and archaeology led her back to further studies in the late 1990s. In 2001, she obtained her Ph.D. from The University of New England, focusing her research on identifying tools used in body modification through wear and residue analysis.
Following her graduation, Gorman continued her work as a heritage consultant until 2005 when she secured a permanent academic position at Flinders University. Despite her academic commitments, she remains actively involved in the Indigenous heritage management sector through short-term contracts.
Gorman’s true passion lies in the intersection of archaeology and space exploration. While she aspired to become an astrophysicist during her formative years, she found a way to combine her interests by delving into the emerging field of space archaeology. In 2003, Gorman participated in the first conference session on space archaeology at the Fifth World Archaeological Congress alongside John Campbell and Beth Laura O’Leary.
Since then, Gorman has become a leading figure in the study of space archaeology. She has published numerous influential works, contributing to the understanding of space as a cultural landscape and pioneering the application of cultural significance assessment to space junk. Her research spans various areas, including the examination of the oldest satellite still in orbit, Vanguard 1, as well as terrestrial launch sites like Woomera and Kourou. Gorman has also explored the archaeological signatures of Indigenous contributions to global space exploration.
In recognition of her groundbreaking contributions, Gorman was invited to present at TEDx Sydney in 2013, cementing her status as a respected authority in the field of space archaeology. She is also a member of the faculty of the International Space University and actively participates in the assessment process for the Australian Research Council. Moreover, she holds memberships in several space and archaeology organizations, including the Space Industry Association of Australia.
Through her work, Alice Gorman has not only expanded our understanding of space archaeology but also highlighted the importance of preserving and valuing human cultural heritage in outer space. Her contributions to the field demonstrate her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of archaeological research and inspire future generations to explore the mysteries of our universe.
Awards:
– Omitted if there are none.