Visiting Researcher

(ADBOU - University of Southern Denmark) 

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. 

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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. 

 

In the field, my current research makes use of the Forensic Investigation Crime Scene House Outdoor Research Facility (FICSH-ORF) and our new Onset HOBO Weather Station for several research projects related to 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. 

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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 Platteville with my husband and dogs - Biscuits, Graysen, and Mya. 

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

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

 

Fall 2020+

 

Fall 2018 - Spring 2020

 

Fall 2017 - Spring 2018

 

Spring 2017

 

Fall 2012 - Summer 2014