My research investigates extinction dynamics and resilience, documenting how organisms respond to environmental change through time. Many of our discoveries derive from Mesozoic and Cenozoic deposits in the East African Rift System. My students and I also conduct field studies to explore extinction risks in modern biodiversity hotspots undergoing rapid anthropogenic and natural environmental change. This research connects long-term patterns of habitat change and organismal response with modern ecosystem monitoring to enhance survival of critically endangered species. Interdisciplinary topics include invasive species, landscape alteration for agriculture and human food security, and a particular focus on human-wildlife conflict and public health and wellbeing on the edges of biodiversity hotspots.
ANTH 7200 - Bridging Seminar
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2025
Addresses important topics with current theoretical perspectives from at least two anthropological subdisciplines. This provides an interdisciplinary approach across the sub-disciplines of Anthropology: Archaeology, Biological, and Cultural enabling students to better understand and appreciate a holistic approach to anthropological inquiry. Graduate students from other departments may be allowed to take the course if room permits and they have an appropriate background by instructor's permission.
MUSM 5030 - Museum Education
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2026
Survey of the theory and practice of education in museums and informal learning centers. Topics include current trends in the field, learning theories, teaching methodologies, program development, museum/school relationships, the role of education in exhibit development, and being a critically reflective practitioner.
MUSM 6950 - Master's Thesis
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2026
A thesis, which may be of a research, expository, critical or creative type, is required of every master's degree candidate under the thesis option. Department enforced prerequisites: MUSM 5011 and MUSM 5051 and one of the following: MUSM 5030 or MUSM 5031 or MUSM 5041.
MUSM 6960 - Master's Project or Paper
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 / Fall 2025
A project or paper in the student's discipline and related to some aspect of museum studies is required of every master's degree candidate under the non-thesis-option plan. Department enforced prerequisites: MUSM 5011 and MUSM 5051. Students in collections/field track also need MUSM 5030 or MUSM 5031 or MUSM 5041.
