University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Department Member, Department of Anthropology

Other Affiliations: Clark County Nevada, Department of Family Services

About

Research Goals
Bioarchaeological research of early farming populations has shown that the dental health of women declined more than men during the agricultural transition.  My research interests include women of childbearing age in relation to these dental health patterns.  A dental sample (n=142) from a population of early agriculturalists, who occupied a site in the Desert Southwest, shows a similar sex-specific pattern.  Results suggest a dynamic process in the development of oral health trends as a function of the shift to agriculture and the burden of increased childbearing that females undertook during this transition.  Study findings provide greater understanding of the developmental history of long-term health trends with implications for women in farming communities today.

Professional Goals
I have been teaching anthropology at the College of Southern Nevada since 2007, where I enjoy interacting with a diverse college community, offering the unique perspective and extensive scope of knowledge that anthropology provides.

In addition, I'm working as a practicing anthropologist in the social service sector.  The work provides opportunities in a group setting for participant success in learning new skills that improve family function and applying behavior change in their lives.