Currently accepting Master’s students interested in improving dietary analysis from archaeological substrates through modern genome sequencing, oral microbiology, and/or the microbiology of food fermentation!
Dr. Allison E. Mann, Assistant Professor
I’m a biological anthropologist interested in how microbes can help us to better understand human evolution, health, history, behavior, and diversity. My research lies at the intersection of microbial ecology, biological anthropology, biomedical sciences, and computational biology. I am particularly interested in the biotic and abiotic factors that shape host-associated microbial ecosystems both in living and past populations.
Dr. Gomathi Nayagam Sankaranarayanan, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
I am a life sciences researcher with expertise in microbiomes, metagenomics, and evolution. My work spans ancient and modern microbial communities, with a focus on understanding genomic adaptations, bacteriophage-bacteria dynamics, and microbial functions in diverse environments. I am also passionate about bioinformatics, artificial evolution simulations, and sequencing technologies.
Alaina Evers, PhD Student
I am a bioarchaeologist with interests in human osteology, mortuary archaeology, and ancient DNA. My past research focuses have been on how skeletal remains can reveal information about past health, diet, and lived experiences. I am particularly interested in combining osteological and genetic analyses to reconstruct the lifeways of past populations. In addition to research, I am committed to repatriation efforts and to promoting justice for the deceased through ethical engagement with human remains.
Michaela Eddy, MA Student
I am a masters student in Human Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Wyoming. I earned dual, concurrent Bachelor of Sciences degrees in Human Nutrition and Honors, along with Bachelors of Arts degrees in International Studies and Religious Studies. My long-term goal is to continue into doctoral study and a career in research and healthcare, with interests spanning nutrigion, neuroscience, microbiome, health behavior, longevity, and cultural perspectives of health.
Sarah Cruser, Summer Student Research Assistant
I am a high school molecular biology researcher with expertise in genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. My prior research focuses on identifying the role of particular genes in modulating neurodegeneration and regeneration. I am particularly interested in expanding from single-gene analyses to genome-wide analyses to uncover the broader genetic mechanisms underlying evolution, adaptation, and speciation across diverse organisms.
Former Lab Members
Sophia Eberts, M.A.
Sophia is now a PhD student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
DJ Lueloff, B.A.
DJ is now working as a postbaccalaureate research assistant at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation