Kimberly Roche

Conservator

Email: roche4@clemson.edu

Education:

MSc in Conservation Practice, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, 2016.
      Dissertation: “The Effect of Laboratory Synthesis Methods on the Microstructure of β-FeOOH and Its Corrosivity toward Iron”

Graduate Certificate in Art Conservation, Studio Arts College International, Florence, Italy. 2016.
      Dissertation: “Approaches to the Conservation of Chloride Contaminated Composite Artifacts”

BA in Art History, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, 2013.
      Additional coursework in Chemistry and Microbiology

Responsibilities:
Kim joined the WLCC in March of 2020 after working as an archaeological conservator in the public and private sectors in the US and Europe. She is part of the team of conservators responsible for the conservation and preservation of the H. L. Hunley submarine and its associated artifacts. Kim also carries out documentation, examination, research, and treatment for the WLCC’s other contracts.

Research interest:
Kim’s research interests lie in the field of corrosion science, specifically the corrosion of chloride-contaminated iron artifacts, and in increasing emergency preparedness among heritage custodians in the Lowcountry.

Conference Presentations:
Roche, K. 2021. Heritage at Risk: Bringing the Alliance for Response Initiative to Charleston. 2021 Keeping History above Water Conference: Charleston Communities in Action. Charleston, South Carolina, June 13th – 15th 2021. 

Watkinson, D., Roche, K., and Emmerson, N. 2019. Synthesized and Naturally Formed Akaganéite: Impact on the Corrosion of Iron. The European Corrosion Congress. Seville, Spain, September 9th – 13th 2019. 

Roche, K. and Maiklem, L. 2018. Turning the Tide: Enhancing the Preservation of Archaeological Materials by Engaging with Members of the Public. Icon Archaeology Group Conference. Birmingham, England, December 6th 2018. 

Roche, K. 2016. US Navy Partnership Explores New Frontiers to Conserve Royal Savage Iron. Conservation Matters in Wales, Doing Things Differently. Cardiff, Wales, December 13th 2016.

Poster Presentations:
Morrand, K. et al. 2017. Savage Meets Science: The Rebirth of Royal Savage through Modern Technology. Society for Historical Archaeology Annual Conference. Fort Worth, Texas, January 4th – 8th 2017.

Publications:
Middleton, A. and Roche, K. 2019. The Rooswijk Finds: One Shipwreck, Two Dive Seasons, and 2100+ Artefacts. Icon News 82: 15-19.

Professional Affiliations:
Charleston Alliance for Response Kick-off Forum (2022), Chair
Charleston Archives, Libraries & Museums Council, Vice President
American Institute for Conservation, Member
SSI, Open Water Diver