Biography
Dr. Wheeler is an senior lecturer specializing in bioarchaeology. Dr. Wheeler received her Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Western Ontario in 2009 and joined UCF in 2010. Her current research focuses on the bioarchaeological analysis of infants and children to shed light on mortuary practices involving the youngest members of society. This research synthesizes information from the social, cultural, and natural environments to gain an understanding of children’s lives and deaths in the past. Dr. Wheeler also researches ancient birthing practices, maternal health, growth and development, ancient health and disease, and mortuary landscapes. Her current and upcoming fieldwork examines patterns of health and disease, trauma, and mortuary practices in ancient Egyptian and ancient Maya populations. Dr. Wheeler’s research has been published in journals such as the American Journal of Human Biology, American Journal of Physical Anthropology, American Antiquity, International Journal of Paleopathology, and International Journal of Osteoarchaeology. She has also authored numerous book chapters. Dr. Wheeler has been awarded two Teaching Incentive Program awards and two Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching awards in recognition of her teaching.
Dr. Wheeler teaches:
- ANT 3026 Mummies, Zombies, and Vampires: Anthropology of the Undead
- ANT 3302 Sex, Gender, and Culture
- ANT 3212 Peoples of the World
- ANT 3538 Ancient Plagues: Archaeological and Skeletal Evidence of Infectious Disease
- ANT 3550C Primatology
- ANT 4027 Mummies, Life After Death
- ANT 4521 Forensic Anthropology
- ANT 4861 Beyond the Anthropology Major: Careers in Anthropology
Research Interests/Specializations
- Bioarchaeology
- Human Osteology
- Infancy and Childhood
- Growth and Development
- Ancient Health and Disease
- Paleoepidemiology
- Mortuary Archaeology
- Archaeological Illustration
- Medical Imaging
- Forensic Archaeology
- Ancient Maya, Belize and Egypt
