About

I completed my PhD at Indiana University (IU) in Anthropology and Earth Science in May 2025. My dissertation research integrated geochemical analyses with ethnographic interviews and community relationship building to examine the cultural landscape of La Altagracia Province in southeastern Dominican Republic. I am broadly interested in integrating underwater and terrestrial archaeology, applying geochemical analysis methodologies to questions regarding archaeological site formation and human-environmental interactions, and human relationships with archaeological sites across space and time.

My research focuses on geochemical analyses of Pre-Columbian ceramics from eastern Dominican Republic and integrates field survey, laboratory analyses, and community relationship-building. I have applied multiple geochemical methodologies, including ICP-MS trace element analysis, X-ray fluorescence, stable isotope analysis, and thin-section petrography, to analyze ceramic samples and environmental materials, such as water and unfired clay. These analyses have allowed me to examine compositional variation across terrestrial and underwater sites and draw conclusions regarding site formation and clay procurement. My dissertation research also involved conducting interviews with local community members to understand modern-day relationships with archaeological sites in my study area, so that my future work can move beyond public outreach and engagement to conduct community-based projects that are interesting and relevant to modern-day citizens.

I have extensive experience teaching undergraduate courses across disciplines and levels both during graduate school as a Student Academic Appointment (SAA) in the IU College of Arts and Sciences and beforehand during my time as an visiting lecturer and PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor in the IU School of Public Health. I have had the opportunity to teach and mentor students in classroom, laboratory, and field settings and find these relationships to be extremely rewarding. My teaching philosophy revolves around open communication and being genuine in the classroom, as well as integrating diverse perspectives, materials, and activities in classes that encourage students to develop critical thinking and communication skills along with the ability to apply their knowledge to practical situations.