Biological Anthropology at NAU

Biological anthropologists approach medical anthropology through an evolutionary and biocultural framework that focuses on human biological variation among ancient and contemporary populations; culture change, migration, and health; skeletal biology and diet; and human adaptation to environmental and sociocultural stressors. Dr. Corina Kellner is a bioarchaeologist and biological anthropologist who studies the diet, health, and migration patterns of prehistoric people in Peru. Dr. Kellner runs The Paleodiet Laboratory which provides facilities and equipment for processing archaeological soils, water, plants, fauna, and human tissues for stable isotope analysis. Dr. Melissa Liebert is a biocultural anthropologist and human biologist who studies the effects of culture change and economic development on health outcomes among indigenous populations in Ecuador. Dr. Liebert runs The Human Biology Laboratory which includes facilities and equipment for database management and the storage and preparation of various biological samples (e.g., saliva, dried blood spots, urine) for laboratory-based analysis of stress physiology, immune function, and cardiovascular health.