She earned her Ph.D. from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. She specializes in human skeletal biology, paleopathology, bioarchaeology, and stable isotope science. Her primary area of investigation is Andean South America, where she engages in contextually-based research focusing on the analysis of ancient skeletal and mummified remains. This investigation allows her to explore broader anthropological interests including: the biocultural identification of violence and warfare, ritual activities, ethnic identity, mortuary complexity in ancient civilizations, and Andean prehistoric and Contact period social interactions. She has been awarded research grants from SSHRC, Canada, and the National Geographic Society.