Lab Members

Dr. Valerie Burke DeLeon

Associate Professor
Department of Anthropology

Graduate Students

 Rose Bryson, M.Sc.
PhD Candidate

My research aims to develop a novel subadult age estimation technique in the field of Forensic Anthropology by analyzing the shape change of the orbital cavity and anterior cranial fossa through the maturation process. I examine how the major soft tissue structures within the skull (the brain, eye, & paranasal sinuses) effect skeletal growth throughout ontogeny. My dissertation aims to quantify the observed changes from ages 0-20 using a geometric morphometric approach in 3D Slicer and R, and utilize those features to develop a statistical model to predict chronological age. My research interests include subadult age estimation, NAGPRA repatriation, skeletal bioethics and 3D digitization.

Siobhan Summers, M.A.A.
PhD Candidate

My research focuses on the effects of sex, stature, body mass, and population affinity on the skeletal morphology of the ankle. Specifically, my research assesses morphological variation in the talus between population groups and during ontogeny using 3D geometric morphometrics. Due to its position in the ankle joint complex the talus is associated with differential load bearing such as sex or body weight. This research has the potential to be applied to future studies that seek to understand the factors influencing observed variations in talar morphology and how that can be applied in forensic anthropology. In addition to my dissertation research, my research interests also include skeletal presentations of biocultural interactions and ethics in biological anthropology.

Isis Dwyer, M.A.
PhD  Candidate

My research studies patterns of cranial variance in Afro-descendant populations of the anglophone Caribbean, implications for forensic anthropology of undocumented persons, and general understandings of variation in Afro-descendant populations. Utilizing clinical computed tomography scans to construct a contemporary sample of Afro-Caribbean populations, I employ a 3-D geometric morphometric approach to examine patterns of morphological variation between islands, as well as other regional Afro-descendant communities. This analysis is paired with a cognitive anthropological study of Caribbean sociocultural constructions of race/ethnicity, both self-identified and socially perceived. Beyond my research, I am also interested in ethical curation of human osteological material, museum education and outreach, and public understandings and representations of human biological diversity.

Katie Franklin, M.A.
Graduate Student

My area of investigation focuses on interpreting the morphological variables associated with non-human primate sensory modalities with a current emphasis on middle ear anatomy in nocturnal primate populations. To elucidate this interest, I use a combination approach of scanning cadaverous specimens in a broad array of taxa with both micro-CT and diceCT (diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography). I am particularly interested in the ontogenetic and phylogenetic effects/variations within this population. This combination of approaches allows for an in-depth analysis of the relationship between soft tissue and the bony anatomy within three-dimensional (3-D) space. This investigation is crucial in bringing visibility to the complexities of the auditory system and to an understudied aspect of nocturnal primate anatomy.

Visiting Researchers

Laura Bento Da Costa, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher

My research focuses on the study of the skull and skeletal morphology in primates and rodents through time. I first studied morphological adaptations to locomotion (i.e., terrestriality, arboreality, fossoriality) for extant and extinct rodents (Early Miocene – 20 million years – Uganda, Namibia) and some primates using geometric morphometrics (2D and 3D specimens). Then, I focused on the link between this ecological parameter and the skull morphology (face and neurocranium development) of extant primates. Now, I continue my exploration of this topic by studying the influence of dental growth on the development of the facial skeleton in primates using 3D data, geometric morphometrics and immunohistochemistry.

As a paleontologist, I also work on environmental reconstructions using stable isotope analyses (carbon and oxygen) on Early Miocene sites from Uganda and Namibia.

 

Undergraduate Students & Volunteers

Sacha Sides

My goal is to explore comparative anatomy and cranial morphology from an ontogenetic standpoint. My long-term research interests are in both anatomical and ecological primatology, with my greatest interest in the field being a biological/behavioral study of orangutans.

Jennavieve Lambeth

I am a recently graduated student working for the DeLeon Lab as I apply for graduate programs in bioarcheology. My undergraduate thesis focused on the dental morphology of Aotus nancymaae. I presented at the American Association for Anatomy in 2023 on this work and will be presenting again at AABA in March of 2024. I hope to continue my studies in bioarcheology and osteology by working toward my master’s and PhD. I am passionate about mortuary archaeology, historical intersectionality, and ethical curation of osteological material. Once I have achieved my upper education, I plan on using my skills to do community outreach and education.

Andrew Brinn

I am an undergraduate and currently interested in comparative anatomy, bone pathologies, and bioarcheology. I am planning to continue work in 3D reconstructions of cranial structures in this lab and pursue potential research topics related to cranial morphology.

 

 

Graduate Alumni

Sarah Zaleski

Molly Selba

Raphaela Meloro
 

Andreana Cunningham

  

Undergraduate Alumni

Abbey Culumber

Laura Haynes

Breeanne Nastav

Lexi Varvares

Catherine Llera

Jenni Mesa

Gladys Galdamez

Isaac Alonso

Naomi Levin

Ciele Rosenberg

Mae-Brie Conklin

Ricardo Castro

Miette Ogg