Lauren Jones, PhD
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Visiting Assistant Professor SASW, 204 Waters Hall |
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Lauren Jones is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work. She is a biological anthropologist and archaeologist specialized in osteology and biomolecular archaeology. Dr. Jones’ work bridges the study of ancient peoples and animals and cutting-edge scientific methods, focusing on understanding the relationship between cultural and biological lives. Her broader interests include disease in the past, collections management, Indigenous archaeology, and European archaeology. Dr. Jones’ academic journey was inspired by her first archaeological experience as a high schooler, excavating potential Spanish mission sites in Georgia with the Atlanta-based Fernbank Museum. She began with a BA in Anthropology and Classical Culture, earned with honors from the University of Georgia (2011). She went on to complete an MA in Anthropology (Bioarchaeology/Forensic Anthropology) at NC State University (2014) and a PhD in Anthropology (Archaeology/Biological Anthropology) at Texas A&M University (2024). Her dissertation research provided the foundation for her exploration of various topics relating to bioarchaeology, zooarchaeology, ancient DNA, and collagen analysis via ZooMS (zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry). Her research portfolio spans diverse topics, including ancient DNA analysis of Ancestors from central and south Texas, skeletal kinship studies using developmental anomalies of the foot, and establishing the first collagen signatures of modern and archaeological gophers. Dr. Jones is equally passionate about advancing best practices in collections management and ensuring that archaeological materials are preserved and accessible for future generations. To this end, she is currently collaborating on several projects that aim to improve archaeological collections practices relating to scientific samples. At Kansas State, Dr. Jones teaches courses in biological anthropology and archaeology, including Introduction to Biological Anthropology, Osteology, Forensic Anthropology, Human Evolution, Plagues: Co-evolution of Humans and Pathogens, and Field and Lab Methods. She has also taught a variety of coursework in biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and archaeology at Texas A&M University. Recognized for her teaching excellence, Dr. Jones received the Outstanding Teaching Award at NC State in 2014 and is a graduate of Texas A&M’s Academy for Future Faculty program. Dr. Jones particularly enjoys helping students find their own paths in anthropology and seeing their work come to life through projects and research experiences. Her passion for anthropology also extends beyond the classroom—she loves exploring historical sites and museums, often combining her travels with local heritage studies alongside family and friends. Some of her favorite visits include the Meigle Museum in Scotland; the Glencoe Visitors Centre in Scotland; the Roman Museum in Avenches (Aventicum), Switzerland; and the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. |
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