Dr. Serena Love is an archaeologist, educator, and heritage consultant whose career blends academic research, public engagement, and community collaboration. Known for engaging public lectures, Serena has lectured in 11 different countries internationally, gaining a reputation for inspirational and motivational content. 

She holds a PhD in Anthropology from Stanford University, an MPhil from University College London, an MSc from the University of Sheffield, and a BA from the University of California, Berkeley. She has taught at Stanford University, De Anza College, Brown University1, and the University of Queensland2, and is owner and director of 4 Corners Heritage3, a consultancy specialising in cultural heritage management.  

Serena’s research is internationally recognised for methodological innovations in the geoarchaeology of mudbrick architecture, revealing how ancient building materials reflect social identity, technology, and environmental adaptation. Love’s methodological legacy is distinguished by a holistic, interdisciplinary approach—combining scientific rigor, field innovation, and social interpretation to enhance our understanding of ancient architecture and the people behind it. She has conducted fieldwork at iconic sites such as Çatalhöyük (Turkey), Saqqara and Giza (Egypt), Majnoon (Iraq), and across Australia’s archaeological landscapes. [link to Publications] 

In Australia, she works closely with Indigenous communities on heritage management and capacity-building projects, including the upskilling Indigenous rangers in archaeological surveying, excavation and site recording She mentors emerging archaeologists and Indigenous practitioners to strengthen community-led heritage management. As a consultant and educator, she integrates archaeological best practice with local and Indigenous knowledge, adapting methodology to community-driven research, collaborative conservation, and education programs in Australia.  

A gifted communicator, Serena is renowned for making archaeology relevant and accessible—delivering public talks, interactive workshops, and museum programs, including the popular Introduction to Ancient Egypt lecture series at the Queensland Museum in 2024-2025 and other media appearances. Serena translates complex academic concepts into everyday language that makes archaeology accessible and easy to understand. Through her teaching, outreach, and experimental projects—such as recreating ancient Egyptian bread and beer—she inspires curiosity, cultural understanding, and active participation in preserving the past. Serena’s approach emphasizes making archaeology relevant and exciting, encouraging curiosity and cultural understanding through teaching, outreach, experimental projects, and participation in public talks and festivals.