Maddie Cooper-Wallis is an Archaeologist/Heritage Advisor with over three years’ of experience in the Victorian heritage industry. Originally from the United Kingdom, Maddie graduated with Honours in Archaeology from La Trobe University, Melbourne in 2020.

She has a keen interest and experience in the repatriation of cultural heritage, which stemmed from her Honours research on the repatriation of heritage to Indigenous groups in Australia, Nigeria and Greece, and an accompanying analysis of the relevant legislative frameworks.

Maddie loves how her job allows her to immerse herself with archaeology and help protect as much cultural heritage as possible – in the best way possible.

Maddie is well-versed in a range of tasks, including archaeological survey and excavation, soil testing, site recording, archaeological illustration and the preparation of CHMPs and due diligence assessments.

In her spare time Maddie lives her passion for learning as much as possible, which tends to involve a lot of reading and going to the theatre.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Archaeology (Honours), La Trobe University, Melbourne (2020)
• Member, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)

Rachel Colby is an Archaeologist and GIS Specialist with five years of experience in the Victorian and United States cultural heritage management industries. Rachel graduated from Appalachian State University, North Carolina in 2018 with a major in archaeology and a minor in geography/GIS.

Throughout her career Rachel has been involved in diverse projects, including road and rail utilities and residential subdivisions. Her academic journey in the States united her passions for mapping and archaeology. Her undergraduate research project combined microscopy and reflectance transformation imaging to delve deep into the manufacturing techniques of Woodland period faunal artefacts, which she presented at the 2018 Southeastern Archaeological Conference.

Rachel’s experience includes GIS analysis, mapping, due diligence assessments, archaeological survey and excavation, artefact illustration, site recording and photography. She also consults with Traditional Owners, landowners, and community representatives.

When she’s not in the field rescuing frogs from test pits, Rachel enjoys painting and sewing, baking delicious cookies, and venturing into the great outdoors.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Arts (Major in Archaeology (Summa Cum Laude), Minor in Geography/GIS), Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA (2018)
• Member, Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society
• Member, Southeastern Archaeological Conference (SEAC)
• Member, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)

Bec Johns is our Office Manager, boasting over 15 years of experience in administration, payroll and customer service. Her knowledge and unwavering commitment to excellence makes her integral to the team at Jem Archaeology.

Known for her diligence and organisational skills, Bec is enthusiastic about fostering a positive work environment and always ensures our days run smoothly. While an expert in administration more broadly, she knows exactly what is needed to deliver archaeological projects efficiently and on time.

Her dedication to fostering productivity, together with her passion and friendly nature makes Bec an invaluable member of the team.

Away from the office, Bec cherishes time with her children. She loves to walk and spend time by the water, and enjoys good food with good company.

Jen Burch is Jem Archaeology’s founder and Director, with over 16 years of leadership experience in the Victorian heritage management industry. An accomplished Archaeologist and Heritage Advisor, she graduated with First Class Honours in Archaeology from La Trobe University, Melbourne in 2007.

Under her leadership and expert guidance, Jem Archaeology has delivered over 1,000 archaeological projects for clients in both the private sector and government. This extensive portfolio includes an array of residential and commercial developments, sustainable energy projects, gas pipelines, desalination projects, mining ventures and more.

Jen’s second to none experience in archaeological survey and excavation is complemented by her unique strategic perspective and deep understanding of the Victorian heritage and planning legislation, which is reflected in the 500+ approved Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) and salvage reports she has authored or co-authored to-date.

Jen is a excellent communicator and collaborator and is passionate about fostering collaborative spaces between Traditional Custodians, clients, landowners and government agencies, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and to budget.

Jen’s deep commitment to archaeology is not just reflected in her professional accomplishments, but also personally in her artefact tattoos.

Affiliations

• Full Member, Australian Association of Consulting Archaeologists Inc. (MAACAI)
• Member, Australian Archaeological Association Inc. (AAA)
• Member, Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association (VPELA)
• Member, Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA)