Teaching Interests and Philosophy

As an educator, my teaching interests and philosophy lie in student-centered/active learning courses that apply archaeological scientific methods with material from tropical, coastal, and island contexts to explore questions of human evolution, changing subsistence behaviours, and adaptations to shifting environments.

I am qualified to teach introductory courses in anthropology and archaeology as well as field methods, zooarchaeology, biomolecular methods, and Asia-Pacific classes. My research and teaching experience make me qualified to teach undergraduate courses as well as supervise and teach graduate students.

I have extensive field experience with surveying, mapping, excavation, as well as ethnographic studies and experimental archaeology. My laboratory expertise covers zooarchaeological analyses of shell and bone material, pottery, stone tools, GIS, SEM, and microscopy. In addition, I have extensive experience in numerous biomolecular methods: collagen peptide mass fingerprinting (ZooMS), radiocarbon dating, and stable isotope analyses.

My various collaborations with Asia-Pacific and European research institutions along with a diversity of projects across multiple Pacific countries allow me to work with students to develop Masters and PhD level research projects that match individual interests and goals.

Growing up in Australia with immigrant parents has helped me to recognize the inequities and challenges that historically underrepresented or economically disadvantaged groups face, particularly regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and Pacific Islanders. Additionally, being a first-generation, female, college graduate, has given me a unique understanding of the issues facing academic research and education and a strong desire to help other first-generation students achieve their potential, and ultimately fulfill their dreams. Over the past 10 years of my professional archaeology career, I have endeavored to contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion for students in the classroom and beyond.