Overview
I trained as an objects conservator at Cardiff University and have a BSc in Conservation of Objects in Museums and Archaeology and an MSc in Professional Conservation. Since 2014, I have been in various roles at the university as an objects conservator and teaching associate.
I am currently working towards a PhD supported by the South West and Wales Doctoral Training Programme. Using quantitative research methods, my project aims to inform management procedures of archaeological metals, with a focus on copper alloys.
I teach BSc and MSc students in modules covering underpinning knowledge of conservation, including material understanding, the operation and appropriate use of analytical equipment and research skills.
I am a committee member of Icon Metals Group.
Research
Thesis
Evidence-based management of archaeological copper alloys: predicting corrosion, assessing treatment success and specifying storage parameters.
Funding source
SWW DTP
Publications
2022
- Thunberg, J., Watkinson, D., Emmerson, N., Kis, Z., Harsanyi, I., Zsolt, K. and Lewis, M. 2022. The role of patina on archaeological copper alloy coins in the outbreak and progression of bronze disease. Presented at: Metal 2022: 10th Interim Meeting of the ICOM-CC Metals Working Group, Helsinki, Finland, 5-9 September 2022.
- Emmerson, N., Watkinson, D., Roche, K., Seifert, J. and Thunberg, J. 2022. The effect of βFeOOH synthesis routes on its ability to corrode iron. Presented at: Metal 2022: 10th Interim Meeting of the ICOM-CC Metals Working Group, Helsinki, Finland, 5 - 9 September 2022.
2021
- Thunberg, J., Watkinson, D. and Emmerson, N. 2021. Desiccated microclimates for heritage metals: creation and management. Studies in Conservation 66(3), pp. 127-153. (10.1080/00393630.2020.1799599)
2020
- Thunberg, J., Emmerson, N. and Watkinson, D. 2020. The role of relative humidity in the corrosion rate of copper in the presence of cuprous chloride: a risk-based approach. Presented at: European Corrosion Congress 2020, Virtual, 7-11 September 2020.
- Emmerson, N., Thunberg, J. and Watkinson, D. 2020. New guidelines for the desiccated storage of archaeological metal artefacts. Presented at: 48th AIC/SPNHC Joint Virtual Annual Meeting 2020, Virtual, 21 May - 230 June 2021.
2019
- Emmerson, N., Watkinson, D. and Thunberg, J. 2019. Flame cleaning of historic wrought iron: practitioner methods and their impact on oxide morphologies and post-treatment corrosion rates. Presented at: Metal 2019: Interim Meeting of the ICOM-CC Metals Working Group, Neuchatel, Switzerland, 2-6 September 2019.
2018
- Emmerson, N., James, S., Thunberg, J. and Watkinson, D. 2018. Impact of NaOH (aq) short-term washing of βFeOOH on its ability to corrode iron. Presented at: European Corrosion Congress 2018, Krakow, Poland, 9-13 September 2018.
- Thunberg, J., Emmerson, N. and Watkinson, D. 2018. Evidencing best practice in post-excavation and long-term storage protocols for archaeological iron. Presented at: European Corrosion Congress 2018, Krakow, Poland, 9-13 September 2018.