Lauren Meckel, PhD
- BS, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
- MA, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
- PhD, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Texas State University, San Marcos, TX – Histology Specialist
Special Projects
Bone microstructure in forensic investigation
Lauren earned her MA in Biological Anthropology from Texas State University where her primary focus was testing histological methods used to improve the biological profile and developing techniques to estimate the post-mortem interval in forensic cases by using dental cementum and observing patterns in human decomposition. She also earned her PhD from the University of Otago under the the Anatomy Department while studying the effect of structural violence on the victims of the Great Famine (Ireland, 1845-1852) using histological methods. Broadly, this research also aims to understand the biological consequences of systemic cultural oppression and to explore the motivation for modern human migration.
Selected Publications
Meckel LA, McDaneld C, Wescott D. (2017) White-Tailed Deer as a Taphonomic Agent: Photographic Documentation of White-Tailed Deer Gnawing on Human Bone. Journal of Forensic Sciences. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.13514
Bytheway J, Wescott DJ, Steadman DW, Miller N, Sauerwein K, Clemmons CMJ, Gleiber DS, McDaneld CP, Meckel LA (2018) Validation of the Total Body Score/Accumulated Degree Day Model at Three Human Decomposition Facilities. Journal of Forensic Anthropology.
In Progress: Meckel LA, Geber J, Beaumont J. (2021) Incorporating Histological Methods to Examine the Impact of Pellagra in Mid-19th Century Ireland. To be submitted to the American Journal of Physical Anthropologists.
News
Dr. Matthew J. Ravosa joins FAE as new Director
We are excited to announce that effective January 1, 2023, Dr. Matthew J. Ravosa is the new Director of the Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution. Ravosa joins us from the University of Notre Dame, where he was a Professor of Biological Sciences, Aerospace and...
Dr. Cooke Promoted to Associate Professor
Siobhán Cooke was promoted to Associate Professor of Functional Anatomy and Evolution, effective October 1, 2022. A full-time faculty member in the Center, Dr. Cooke earned her PhD in Anthropology from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Her...
2nd position available! Full-time tenure-track faculty appointment in the Center for Functional Anatomy & Evolution
The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) School of Medicine invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty appointment in the Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution (FAE) at the rank of Assistant Professor. Candidates should have an integrative,...