- Undergraduate: University of Mississippi, B.S. Biology ’09, B.A. Anthropology ’10
- Graduate: NCSU M.A. Bioarchaeology ’12, Ph.D. Zoology (current)
- Level II Board Certification, Forensic Anthropology Society of Europe
ABOUT ME: I am originally from New Orleans, Louisiana where I grew up bouncing between a farm supply store and school. Growing up in a swamp and surrounded by animals, I was immune to the smell of decay very early on and messed with a lot of “yucky” stuff as a kid. My mom was always worried about what I would bring home next. Naturally, this encouraged me to do even more gross things like work in a morgue for FUN. Anyway, this is what landed me in the forensics world and during my undergraduate career I fell in love with all things biological anthropology creating a bridge for my fascination with decay and human anatomy. An archaeological field school solidified my current career track. These early interests created the foundation for my research background.
RESEARCH: My research interests include cadaver decomposition, bone diagenesis and taphonomy, and bone histology. Understanding cadaver decomposition is a vital component of ancient studies including paleontology, archaeology, and paleoanthropology. To interpret the remains we find of the past, we need a full understanding of why they are here in the first place. My main focus is in early decomposition and understanding not only how it contributes to fossilization, but also how we can use it to understand remains discovered in forensic contexts and fortify their application in the legal system.
FUN FACTS:
- Between an 8-year old and a wild Manx cat, I’ll probably be in strait jacket within the year!
- I LOVE all books, any kind if it’s in front of me I’ll read it.