Profile
Dave Underhill
My CV
-
Education:
Mathew Holland school (9 GCSE’s A-E), High pavement sixth form (failed A-levels twice), University of Leicester (Certificate and BA(Hons)), University of Southampton (MA and PhD)
-
Qualifications:
9 GCSE’s (2 A’s, 6 C’s, 2 E’s), (failed A’ Levels twice), Certificate, BA(Hons), MA, PhD
-
Work History:
As mentioned I had a plethora of different jobs before turning to academia. I spent many years as a freelance History lecturer, visiting schools to deliver hands-on practical sessions with a range of historical props and artefacts. I combined this advising on several historical documentaries and working as a stunt man on a range of motion pictures and TV shows. Moving away from this I spent time working in music production before re-locating to undertake an apprenticeship in bladesmithing. littered throughout this were standard ‘day jobs’ working as a barman and postman amongst other things, I really couldn’t decide what to do.
Since re-discovering my love of learning I have been employed to teach at the Universities of Southampton and Nottingham, but also for the universities of York, Manchester, and UCL. I spent some time in commercial archaeology and have worked as a consultant to even more firms, including institutions such as the British Museum and Jersey Heritage amongst others.
-
Current Job:
Special Projects Officer
-
About Me:
I combine lots of scientific and philosophical disciplines to study what it means to be human
-
Read more
I have recently returned to living in Nottinghamshire, where I was born and raised, with my wife, two kids, and dog, after having lived all over the place (from Southampton to the Isle of Skye). I really didn’t know what I wanted to do when I left school and dabbled in an enormous number of jobs before turning to academia as a mature student; I have been a bladesmith, stunt man, music producer, actor, postman, the list goes on. However, running through everything I have done is a passion for heritage and learning; hence my eventual arrival as an academic archaeologist. My passion for both these things are my fundamental drivers, they are what makes me who I am and occupy most of my waking time.
To relax I enjoy Science Fiction (mainly seeing how the science affects the fiction), formula one (primarily due to its technical nature), and music (largely djent and prog).
-
Read more
My primary research concerns the evolution of our species, Homo sapiens, and what it means to be human. Most of my work has been conducted in southern Africa where I believe our species first evolved. My focus is on using stone tools (examples below) to interpret the lives of our ancestors. I have excavated sites dating back over half a million years (possibly older), and am able to use the evidence to talk about not only the practical activities our ancestor undertook but also their psychology and societies.
I am equally fascinated by the history of science and how individuals and their societies drive interpretations of data.
I have worked for, and at, a large number of Universities and institutions around the UK and even further afield, lecturing archaeology at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels. Unfortunately, the academic sector is presently suffering some instability and I have been forced to seek employment away from academia. I am shortly to take up a post as a Project Manager for an Archaeological Research Company, although at present I am employed by the Minerals and Extractives Sector (mining and quarrying really), to institute a plan to rescue the industry from an impending skills crisis.
-
My Typical Day:
there really isn’t one
-
Read more
There really isn’t a typical day doing what I’m doing. I am presently working on a number of different projects that include coding a website, writing National Occupational Standards, auditing company assets, re-writing policies and procedures, recruiting volunteers, writing articles, organising meetings and negotiating with senior managers of multi-national companies, the list goes on!
When I clock off from my day job I am trying to write up my thesis for publication, which is proving harder than it sounds!! This involves a fair amount of new research, attempting to maintain my detailed knowledge of the subject.
-
What I'd do with the prize money:
Prize money!?
-
My Interview
-
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
archaeologist, amateur polymath
What did you want to be after you left school?
I had no idea!
Were you ever in trouble at school?
I was bullied a lot and got into trouble fighting back against the bullies
Who is your favourite singer or band?
pink floyd
What's your favourite food?
mexican
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
mental stability, a job in heritage research/teaching, more money
Tell us a joke.
About a month before my grandfather died, we covered his back with lard. After that he went downhill very quickly
-