Forensic Anthropologist
I specialize in forensic anthropology with an emphasis on skeletal variation and methods of age-at-death estimation for adults. I also have training and experience in forensic archaeology and outdoor scene processing.
In the laboratory, I am involved in the development and validation of a new adult age-at-death estimation method (TA3), as well as further investigations of the TA3 traits and the use of transition analysis as a statistical technique.
My most recent research used the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Forensic Investigation Crime Scene House Outdoor Research Facility (FICSH-ORF) to research the identification of clandestine graves, the use of drone-based imaging (collaboration with the Dept. of Computer Science and Software Engineering) and the weathering of fingerprints.
I am always happy to talk to undergraduate students who are interested in applying to graduate school or pursuing anthropology or forensic-related careers. I also enjoy hiking and rock climbing. I am excited to explore my new home in Oklahoma City with my husband and dogs - Biscuits, Graysen, and Mya.
Visiting Researcher
(ADBOU - University of Southern Denmark)
Education
Ph.D.
Anthropology
(2011-2017)
M.S.
Forensic & Biological Anthropology
(2009-2011)
B.S.
Biological Anthropology
(2005-2008)
Penn State University - Dept. of Anthropology
Dissertation: Improved Skeletal Age-at-Death Estimation and its Impact on Archaeological Analyses (Click icon to download.)
Mercyhurst University - Dept. of Applied Forensic Sciences
Master's Thesis: Investigation and Critique of the DiGangi et al. (2009) Age-At-Death Estimation Method (Click icon to download.)
Penn State University - Dept. of Anthropology
Honors Thesis: Investigation of "low-information" skeletal traits in an African American sample.
Professional Positions
Forensic Anthropologist
Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Assistant Professor of Forensic Investigation
CJ/FI Program Coordinator
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Dept. of Criminal Justice & Social Sciences
Assistant Professor of Anthropology
ISU Forensic Anthropology Laboratory
Idaho State University - Dept. of Anthropology
Visiting Assistant Professor of Applied Forensic Sciences
Mercyhurst University
Dept. of Applied Forensic Sciences
Postdoctoral Researcher
Penn State University
Dept. of Anthropology
Online Course Instructor
Penn State University
Dept. of Anthropology, Penn State World Campus
Jan. 2023 +
Aug. 2020 - Jan. 2023
Aug. 2018 - May 2020
Aug. 2017 - July 2018
Jan. 2017 - July 2017
Aug. 2012 - July 2014