Biography
Dr. Wheeler is an associate 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 teaches Primatology, Sex, Gender and Culture, Peoples of the World, Ancient Plagues, Forensic Anthropology, Mummies: Life After Death, and Mummies, Zombies, and Vampires: Anthropology of the Undead, among others. Dr. Wheeler has been awarded two Teaching Incentive Program awards and two Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching awards in recognition of her teaching.
