Cassandra Boyer

Graduate Student
Cassandra Boyer headshot

Summary

Current statusPh.D. in progress

M.A. Thesis: Dental Analysis of Prehistoric Populations in Coastal Ecuador

Cassandra A.K. Boyer (she/her) is a Ph.D. student with specialties in bioarchaeology and dental anthropology. She received her B.A. from the University of Kansas in 2016 and M.A. from Florida Atlantic University in 2019. Her M.A. thesis examined three archaeological sites (Guangala and Manteño cultural periods) at the Centro de Investigación y Museo in Salango, a small fishing village along coastal Ecuador. She examined the teeth from these sites and suggested the timing of agricultural intensification, reliability on sea foods, and noted the effects of colonization and El Niño events. Through life history theory, Cassandra developed dental-specific osteobiographies and indicated individual characteristics and behaviors such as ancestry, childhood development, favoritism of chewing sides, morphological peculiarities, and habitual impressions from suspected rope weaving.

At the University of Nevada in Reno, Cassandra is continuing her research in Ecuador while developing her interests and skills in forensic anthropology, dental macro- and microwear, and human pedal morphology. As an anthropologist, she is passionate about engaging in public domains concerning activism, education, human rights issues, misinformation, and elevating historically marginalized voices.

Academic interests

  • Biological anthropology
  • Dental anthropology
  • Bioarchaeology
  • Forensic anthropology

Education

  • B.A. in Anthropology, University of Kansas 2016. M.A. in Anthropology, Florida Atlantic University 2019

Education

  • B.A., anthropology, Pennsylvania State University