Graduate Students

Talissa Cota

I graduated from ISU with a BA in anthropology in 2016. Since then, I have been involved in a couple of surveying projects in the Black Hills National Forest and the Salmon, ID area. I also volunteered on the River Street Public Archaeology Project in Boise, ID, and participated in a public archaeology workshop at the City of Rocks National Preserve. I am currently working on a MS in anthropology as well as a certification in geotechnology, and expect to graduate in December 2021. My focus is on GIS and how it can be incorporated into archaeological research. Specifically, my current research is focused on analyzing hypothetical past mobility patterns of people who lived in the area, based upon the natural features of the landscape; I intend to publish in the Journal of Archaeological Science within the next year. In my downtime, I enjoy visiting zoos, museums, and amusement parks. I also have a deep appreciation and fascination for reptiles and hope to run a reptile rescue center one day.

Beau Craner

I graduated from Idaho State University in 2013 with my bachelors in Anthropology. I am currently working on my master’s degree in Anthropology, with a focus on Archaeology. My interests are in Pre-Clovis and Clovis peoples. After my master’s degree I hope to move on to a PhD program. I have lived in the Great Basin most all of my life and am glad that I can pursue my academic interests in my backyard.

Rebecca Guarino

Bobette Haskett

Lillian LaFortuna

Jonathan Mayes

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona in 2022 with a BS in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST). My senior capstone research focused on the processing and analysis of LiDAR data for archaeological feature detection at a 19^th century iron furnace site. I am currently pursuing a MS in Anthropology with a concentration in Archaeological Science from Idaho State University. My research goals focus on applying current and emerging geospatial technologies to archaeological research. I have worked professionally in archaeology since 2010 in local, state and federal governments. I am currently an Archaeological Technician with the US Forest Service in my home state of Virginia. I love to read, cook and travel internationally.

Jessica Novak

Pamela Pascali

Pam is a recipient of a National Science Foundation - Graduate Research Fellowship Position. As well as earning her BA in Anthropology from ISU with Cum Laude distinctions, she is a TRIO McNair Scholar alum and mentor. As she found her place in anthropology, she was pulled towards researching obsidian tools and materials. As a McNair scholar, she was able to conduct fieldwork and collected new obsidian source samples from northern Nevada to add to our database at ISU. Now as an MS candidate, she is using her NSF funding to explore the quantitative qualities of Idaho obsidian and its use by pre-contact people across the Snake River Plain & the Greater Yellowstone-Teton Ecosystem. In the summer of 2022, Pam received a research grant from ISU's Graduate School and worked with the Belize Valley Reconnaissance Project where she spent a month excavating at Cahal Pech, one of the oldest Maya sites in Belize.

Kateea Peterson

My name is Kateea M Peterson and I graduated in 2021 from Idaho State University with a BA in Anthropology. During my time at ISU, I was fortunate enough to attend a bioarchaeology field school in Giecz, Poland. I have also interned at both the CAMAS lab and the Idaho Museum of Natural History. I am now continuing my education by pursuing a Master's in both Anthropology and Geotechnology. I am passionate about the process of discovering, reconstructing, and preserving the lives of past people, and I believe that geotechnology can be used to further this process. I am excited to explore the potential of GIS in Archaeology and to develop new ways of integrating technology into our understanding of past peoples. My current research involves spatial imaging and chemical analysis as well as mapping petroglyphs in Canyon County, Idaho. In my spare time, I love to create art and enjoy going on adventures.

Spencer Sorensen

Kandi Voss

Samantha Wittrock

Sam Urban Wittrock is an alumna of the University of Wyoming, earning her BA in Anthropology with a minor in Agroecology and studies in Secondary Education and History. Her field experience features both Paleo- and historical archaeology, primarily working in Wyoming, Nebraska, and Texas. Sam's research interests focus on food networks, food preparation, diet, and migration patterns; combining archaeology and ecology to better understand how diet grows and changes societies over time. Sam also holds certificates in Geographic Information Systems and works on historical transcribing projects for universities and state historical preservation societies. After graduation, Sam plans to continue research and promote anthropology and the social sciences in inner-city Early College programs, where she currently is an AP World History teacher in Dallas. She enjoys volunteering with civic organizations, anything to do with her three dogs, and working in her garden and urban homestead.

Larry Aguirre

My interests are broad and interdisciplinary which makes anthropology a great fit. My focus is on bioarcheology and medical anthropology. I am a medical provider and serve as a reserve officer in the Army. In 2006 I graduated from the University of Redlands with a BA in anthropology, sociology, and history. In 2011 I graduated from Western University with an MS in Physician Assistant studies. Since then, I completed a psych fellowship and a clinical Doctorate. I have attended field schools in Arizona, California, and Rome. Archaeology is a worthy pursuit to better understand our past and how our interpretations can shape our understanding of humanity. In the medical field, there is potential to improve outcomes by incorporating the anthropological perspective to patient care and public health measures. I am married and a proud father of three. My hobbies include classical Italian fencing, flint knapping, blacksmithing, and terrible guitar playing.

Juliette Bedard

I received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with First Class Honours and a Certificate in Archaeology from the University of Alberta in 2022. All that means is I am a Canadian who loves anthropology! I am now working towards a Master of Science in Anthropology at ISU. My graduate research will build off my undergraduate research in repatriation of human remains from cultural and medical institutions. After I graduate, I would like to move into a PhD program and continue repatriation work. I love to be outdoors, play video games, and be artistic in my free time!

Corri Boldt-Parsley

I graduated from Boise State University in 2018 and obtained a BS in Anthropology with minors in Indigenous Studies and Biology.  During my time at BSU, I was President of the Anthropology Club, worked in labs cataloging remains and lithic material, and attended a summer field school in Idaho. I am currently seeking an MS in Anthropology with a primary focus on bioarchaeology. I am interested in repatriation and creating education for the public in regard to indigenous human remains, burials, and artifacts. When I am not working you can find me reading mostly horror/fantasy/sci-fi, watching films, or spending time with my family and dogs.

Renae Clark

Michael Duffin

Miles Hodges-DeLone Rhoads

I received a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from Portland State University in 2019. Currently I am pursuing a Master of Science in Anthropology at ISU with a concentration in Biological Anthropology. Graduate research I am most interested in is, Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, this research is very personal, as I am also Native American. After graduating from ISU, the plan is to pursue a doctorate in Forensic Anthropology. My dream job is working for the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Aside from academia I am a U.S. Air Force veteran, Search and Rescue Technician, and Human Remains Detection Canine Handler. I love the outdoors, like to hike, enjoy paddle boarding, and love to barbecue.

Jake Shields

My name is Jake Shields, and I am currently seeking a Master’s of Science in Anthropology here at ISU. I received two undergraduate degrees from ISU when I graduated here this past spring. I got a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology, and I got a Bachelor of Science in microbiology with honors distinction as well.  I am interested in biological anthropology, so after graduation I might pursue anything from laboratory research to forensic investigation, or work for the FBI, etc. depending on how my goals change over the next few years within the program. My specific subfield of focus is bioarcheology / forensics. I love the outdoors, cooking, and going on adventures with family and friends.

Bailey Dann

Maja Wolfe

I earned a bachelor's degree in South-Slavic languages with a minor in Czech Language and Literature, from the University of Cyril and Methodius in my native Macedonia. I’ve also earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Arizona State University, followed by a Master of Arts in Spanish from Idaho State University. The research I’m most interested in is the origin of language, which I plan to explore further in a PhD in Anthropology, once done with the Masters. In my free time, I love to decipher languages, as well as write, plus play ping pong and travel.

Zackary Beal

I graduated from Idaho State University in 2018 with a bachelor of the arts in history – acquired during lengthy schooling, riveling the time most invest in earning a medical degree. After a hiatus to serve in the coveted post of a stay-at-home parent, I determined to return to school. My focus in anthropology is cultural; I am particularly fascinated by historical anthropology, having studied social history as an undergrad. Post-graduation, I hope to work in the field of education, either with a museum or university. I love spending time with my wife and two lads, occasionally enjoying a craft beer (or two), building models, and cooking for myself and others.

Madison Brown

Madi is a first year Master’s student. She is pursuing a Master’s of Science in Sociocultural Anthropology. She graduated from ISU with a BA in Spanish for the Health Professions in December 2020. Her passion for the Spanish language was sparked by her travels and volunteer work in Central and South America. She gained an appreciation for other cultures and traditions during her few years traveling. She is also interested in public health and will be working towards a Certificate of Medical Anthropology over the next few semesters. As she pursues her Master’s degree, she will be doing research in Idaho. Subsequently, she plans to work towards a PhD in anthropology.

Jillian Everly

My name is Jillian Everly and I am from Manassas, Virginia. I will be studying how marine resource users can increase their adaptive capacity to environmental change by diversifying their livelihoods and transitioning environmental governance in southern Chile. I will also be working as a research assistant on a National Science Foundation EPSCoR GEM3 seed grant examining how Idaho's salmonid management can shift towards adaptive management under varying environmental conditions.

Carissa Alleman

Carissa Harral is a first-generation and non-traditional student. She works full time at Idaho
State University as a TRIO Veterans Advisor. She is passionate about education and exploring
options and opportunities for Veterans in their educational experience. She has received her
Bachelors in Anthropology and is currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Social-Cultural
Anthropology at Idaho State University. Carissa has worked at Idaho State University for 10
years. She is interested in studying “backyard anthropology”, and is excited to pursue different
cultural studies that Idaho is fortunate to offer.

Wesley Hobbs

Keeley Joe

Patricia Morales Lorenzo

I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez Campus known as El Colegio. I am now in my second year of graduate school pursuing a Master of Science in Anthropology with a concentration in Biological Anthropology, hoping in the future to work for a government, private, or federal organization. I would like to see what is missing in the field of forensic anthropology, especially for Spanish-speaking people. I love animals, crafts, scenery and trying new recipes.

Benjamin Ortman

Ben is a former Georgia resident who has taken a childhood passion for the outdoors and begun a career focused on conservation and natural resource management. He obtained a B.S. in Environmental Science and Biology at Berry College and has recently begun a M.S. in the Anthropology program at ISU studying social-ecological systems and human dimensions of anadromous fish management and restoration efforts in the Columbia River Basin. Ben’s most recent work includes three years with the Henry’s Fork Foundation and IDFG assisting with fisheries conservation projects and multi-stakeholder collaborative water management efforts in Southeast Idaho. Other experience includes marine fisheries research in the Pacific Northwest, New England and freshwater fisheries projects in GA, OR, NC, and VA. Ben wants to use his experience studying human-dimensions at ISU to continue with work that seeks to provide solutions to issues in natural resource management and complex social-ecological systems. 

Kaylie Pickup

Andrea Taylor

My name is Andrea Taylor. I graduated in May of 2018 from Idaho State University with a major in General Studies, a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies, and a minor in Native American Studies. The sub-field of my focus is Medical Anthropology. My background in Native American studies and my Apache heritage have contributed to my interest in alternative medicines and therapies for autoimmune diseases and chronic illness. I enjoy studying about health and healing systems of many different cultures and learning how they treat illness in their communities. After graduation, I would like to work with children/women who have disabilities or marginalized women who are transitioning back into society from environments at risk. I like to read, travel, and spend time with my family.

Melissa Wilson

I was born and raised in Pocatello. I have escaped a few times when I spent a semester in Perm, Russia and a semester in Wuhan, China with a volunteer group teaching English to children in each location. I have traveled briefly to other places, but I always end up coming back home. I have three children; a son thirteen and two daughters 9 and 5. I completed my B.A. in Anthropology with a minor in Linguistics in May 2021. I am now pursuing a Master of Science degree in Anthropology. My graduate research is focused on how a shift to an amenity-based economy in the Teton Valley, Idaho affects the well-being and sense of belonging of farmers and ranchers. Languages, cultures, and people in general (both past and present) fascinate me; so, I am passionate about every aspect of anthropology. I love learning and I am thankful for the opportunity to return to ISU to continue my education. My career goal is to teach anthropology and pursue research interests in Idaho.

Chyanne Yoder

I got my bachelor’s in anthropology from ISU in 2021, with a concentration in medical anthropology. My research interests revolve around the intersecting ecological, economic, and social determinants of health in underserved communities. Outside of academics, I enjoy hiking, snow sports, boxing, art, cooking, reading, and drowning in my husky’s fur.