Education
Doctor of Philosophy from University of Nevada, Reno
Biological Anthropology – 2022
Dissertation: “Mixed Multivariable Models to Improve Human Dental Age Estimation in a Worldwide Sample”
Master of Arts from California State University, Chico
Physical Anthropology, concentration in Forensics – 2017
Thesis: “Gaps in Information: What Missing Teeth Mean in Bioarchaeology”
Bachelor of Arts from Mills College
Anthropology and Sociology - 2013
Graduated with Honors
Bachelor of Arts from Mount Holyoke College
Neuroscience and Behavior – 2011
Work Experience
Postgraduate Forensic Anthropologist, SNA International, 2021-present
Conducted forensic casework of American service members for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) laboratory at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Certified in skeletal analysis, segregating comingled remains, and authoring forensic reports. CXR certification in progress. Laboratory subject matter expert (SME) in dental morphology, dental age estimation, and microCT scanning. Mentor to four graduate-level laboratory interns. Facilitator of DPAA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative, Nebraska coordinator for Peer Mentorship Program, and lead project coordinator for multi-lab Ancestry estimation (CUAD) research team.
Trainings conducted for DPAA Scientific Analysis directorate:
- ASUDAS Dental Anthropology Method Application – 2021, 2023
- Dental Morphology (Introductory Level) – 2022, 2023
- Dental Morphology (Advanced Level) – 2022, 2023
- Identification of Trans Women in Forensic Cases – 2022
- Third Molar Age Estimation Methods - 2023
Osteology Consultant, California State Parks, 2020-present
Consultant on cases including human remains for NAGPRA and identification of human remains in comingled historic and prehistoric collections. Assisted in creation of archeological reports and NAGPRA consultation opinions.
Museum Assistant, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, 2017-2023
Created a database of skeletal material within the Spencer Atkinson collection at the Institute of Dental History and Craniofacial Study, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, including bioprofile of each skull and estimated provenance for undocumented skeletal material. Facilitated research projects and assisted with NAGPRA documentation.
Field Technician/Osteologist, PaleoWest, 2021
Excavated and monitored archaeological sites for cultural resource management projects around the Bay Area. Wrote field excavation and burial analysis reports for historic and prehistoric sites. Liaison for coordinating excavation with Ohlone tribe.
Field Technician/Osteologist, TRAC, 2020
Excavated and monitored archaeological sites for cultural resource management projects for Sacramento River levee replacement with the Army Corps of Engineers.
Research Assistant, University of Nevada, Reno, 2017-2020
Created 3D digital models of skeletal material from CT scans of over 1000 subadult individuals for data to be included in the KidStats statistical package in R.
Laboratory Assistant, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, 2017-2019
Conducted research on prehistoric skulls and fetal development at the Institute of Dental History and Craniofacial Study, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry with Gary Richards. Assisted with Anatomy Lab demonstrations for students and prosection example preparation.
Archaeological Monitor and Field Osteologist, ICF International, 2015-2018
Excavated and analyzed human remains for cultural resource management projects under the advisement of Darren Andolina and Native American tribes in the location (Maidu and Miwok). Excavated and recorded over 100 skeletons, and sorted artifacts and faunal remains for report context. Surveyed and monitored sites before and during active construction. 9+ months in the field.
Archaeological Monitor and Field Osteologist, LSA, 2017
Conducted archaeological and osteological excavation and on-site identification during construction. 1.5 months in the field.
Human Identification Laboratory Forensic Assistant, CSU Chico, 2013-2017
Trained in field recovery methods and excavation techniques in Northern California and Nevada. Processed active homicide and unidentified persons cases and prepared human remains for analysis, assisting in bone measurements and trauma/pathology reports. Experience as field osteologist in over 15 forensic recovery sites, including mass disaster experience from fires in Lake County and Paradise, California (as a returning Alumna at the department’s request).
Archaeology Laboratory Intern, CSU Chico, 2015
Organized lab materials, cataloged archaeological collection and assisted in CRM accounts and NAGPRA reporting.
Teaching Experience
Guest Lecturer, Forensic Department, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, October 2022 and 2023.
Guest lectures on skeletal sex estimation and identification of facial feminization surgery in forensic casework.
Instructor of Record, Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Reno, 2019-2020
Spring 2020 - Anthropology 110L: Intro to Biological Anthropology Lab
Fall 2019 - Anthropology 102: Intro to Biological Anthropology
Summer 2019 - Anthropology 102 + 110L: Intro to Biological Anthropology Lecture and Lab
Course Description:
Lecture topics including modern human variation, evolution, and primate conservation. Hands on learning and experimental extensions of lecture material with lab component, including fossil material analysis and modeling the evolutionary process. Emphasis on understanding human similarity in modern contexts and debunking myths of social race, conspiracy theory, and unfounded science to promote scientific literacy.
Field Osteologist, Betty’s Hope Archaeological and Bioarchaeological Field School, Antigua, 2015 field season
Assisted in teaching mass grave excavation technique and osteology during the excavation of a historical British naval mass grave on the Caribbean island of Antigua in association with California State University, Chico.
Laboratory Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Anthropology, CSU Chico, 2014-2015
Laboratory instructor for five Introduction to Physical Anthropology courses material. Created lesson plans for hands on activities comparing fossil casts to understand human evolution, debates and diagnostic comparisons to foster a deep understanding of speciation among primates, and supervised introductory level projects on forensic analysis and primate conservation theory.
Field Osteologist, Zamartze Mortuary Archaeology Field School, Navarra, Spain, 2013 and 2014 field seasons
Assisted in teaching archaeology and grave excavation technique alongside human osteology lectures associated. Conducted research with student assistance on dental disease in the medieval population present.
Laboratory Teaching Assistant, Biology and Chemistry Department, Mount Holyoke College, 2009
Designed laboratory experiments for introductory college-level courses aimed at pre-med students, mastered lab safety techniques, prepared lab equipment, monitored student research and evaluated student work.