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Note: This site is currently under construction. However, the donor and researcher forms are current.

Welcome to the OsteoLab

The Maxwell Museum’s Laboratory of Human Osteology

The Maxwell Museum’s Laboratory of Human Osteology specializes in numerous facets of biological anthropology, and serves as a repository of human remains, including archaeological, documented, and forensic remains.

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The laboratory is pleased to be working under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) in the relocation of the ancestral remains to their rightful descendants. The archaeological collection is in the ongoing process of inventory and identification under the stipulations of NAGPRA.

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Currently, the laboratory houses a documented osteological collection of over 330 modern individuals of various backgrounds. The Laboratory of Human Osteology also participates in forensic work through our close working relationship with the State of New Mexico's Office of the Medical Investigator.

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Meet The Team

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Alex Denning, M.Sc.

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Senior Collections Manager,

Human Osteology

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Alex Denning is a Physical Anthropologist with an M.Sc. in Human Osteology and Palaeopathology. Before coming to the Maxwell Museum, Alex held positions at the Warren Anatomical Museum at Harvard Medical School and the Mütter Museum, as well as both state and hospital medical examiners offices. A registered archaeologist, Alex also participated in and supervised university and contract archaeological excavations throughout the northeast. In addition to their degrees in Anthropology, they hold graduate certificates in both Museum Studies and Death Investigation. Their research interests include stable isotope analysis of diet and mobility, particularly of high-altitude populations; weaning practices and growth and development; and examining race, gender, and abnormal development in medical science history.

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Abby Parker

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Undergraduate Osteology Assistant

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Abigail Parker is a senior at UNM, currently studying anthropology, museum studies, and psychology. They joined the lab their junior year following their interest in forensics and have been able to further develop their love for bones and archaeological research. Their current research interests involve ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, archaeology, and linguistics studies. They intend to pursue their Masters in Classical studies in the fall of 24’, with research involving osteology and burial practices.

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Mike Haueter, M.S.

Volunteer

 

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Mike Haueter began volunteering with the Maxwell's Laboratory of Human Osteology in October of 2009 after retiring that year from APS where he taught secondary Science, History, and occasionally Mathematics for over twenty years. He received a B.A. in Physical Anthropology from UCLA and a Masters in Secondary Education from UNM. After being accepted as a Fulbright Exchange Teacher he spent the 1998-99 school year teaching in Riga, Latvia.  He also spent several years self-employed as a photographer of fine art. His other interests include home-brewing, wood-sculpting, travel, and reading, especially history and anything to do with ancient Egypt.

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