March 17, 2025

To celebrate our 2025 Fellowship recipients, we contacted our winners to learn about their projects and and share their unique experiences in the world of archaeology. We’re thrilled to announce Adriana Carolina Carvalho Ferreira Malheiro Leite, the winner of the prestigious Archaeology of Portugal Fellowship for 2025!

Archaeology of Portugal Fellowship Winner: Adriana Carolina Carvalho Ferreira Malheiro Leite (The Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArEHB), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal).

The changeover from hunting and gathering to agropastoralism (~10,000 to 5,000 BCE) is recognized as one of the most impactful transformations in Human history. One of these transformations, animal domestication, played a pivotal role as it enabled humans to manage and exploit different animal products, including milk. Through the project “HIDDEN MILK—Uncovering Dairy Consumption in Recent Prehistoric Southern Portuguese Communities via Ancient Human Dental Calculus,” PhD candidate Adriana Carolina Carvalho Ferreira Malheiro Leite will conduct dissertation research into Iberia’s dairy culture with support from the AIA’s Archaeology of Portugal Fellowship. This project explores the evolution, role, and spread of dairy across Iberia through biomolecular analysis of the ancient proteins trapped in calcified human dental plaque, shedding light on dairy consumption on an individual level across key archaeological sites in Southern Portugal that cover the Late Middle Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age. HIDDEN MILK will broaden our understanding of behavioral diversity and the evolution of milk and demonstrate how deeply ingrained dairy practices are in our society. 

How did you get your start in archaeology? 

Ever since I can remember, my parents had a tradition of taking me to visit an archaeological museum or site to celebrate my birthday. From early on, I was fascinated by the discipline, particularly with the wealth of information we can uncover from human skeletal remains. During my MSc at the University of Coimbra, under the guidance of Dr Ana Maria Silva and Dr Anne-France Maurer, I had the opportunity to apply stable isotope analyses to explore the dietary practices of medieval Portuguese communities. While my academic journey has been filled with incredible opportunities and collaborations, this particular one was fundamental in shaping my career path, which now focuses on paleodietary reconstructions of ancient human populations using biomolecular methods.

Where in the world has archaeology brought you (fieldwork, research, conference travel, etc.)? 

Archaeology has taken me to incredible places within my country and abroad! My PhD research has been undoubtedly the most exciting, allowing me to connect with researchers and professionals from diverse fields and contexts, all of whom have helped shape my work. Within my country, I’ve had the opportunity to explore numerous archaeological and geological museums while analysing ancient dental calculus, and also to delve deeper into the history and dairy traditions of the region I’m studying. For training, research, and conferences, I’ve been fortunate to visit Hungary, Czech Republic, and Denmark, the latter where I will develop part of my PhD work. These experiences have been invaluable in broadening my perspective and advancing my research.

What is one of the most memorable things that has happened to you in the field? 

Excavating an 18th-century necropolis of non-adults has been one of the best experiences in the field. The site is located in the castle in my hometown, a place I’ve known all my life and visited countless times, completely unaware that one day I would be part of the team excavating it. Uncovering its history and sharing it with the community, especially as a local, made the experience extremely rewarding.

How has the AIA contributed to your success/professional goals? 

The AIA has played a crucial role in my professional development by awarding me the Archaeology of Portugal Fellowship, which will enable me to conduct paleoproteomics research at a leading institution. This opportunity has provided access to advanced methodologies, facilitated collaborations with experts, and deepened my skill set in biomolecular archaeology. The fellowship has not only been instrumental in advancing my career but has also contributed to broadening our understanding of prehistoric diets in Portugal through the application of innovative and cutting-edge archaeological research.

Learn more about what Fellowship opportunities are available through the AIA.