Graduate Students

Archaeology Sub Discipline

Amy Avitable Amy Avitable was born in Nashville, Tennessee but primarily grew up in Colorado. She earned her bachelors and masters from the University of Denver and later attended Washington University to earn her law degree. Amy chose UCF because the Maya studies track. Amy's advisor is Dr. Arlen Chase.

Jeffrey Brzezinski Jeff was born and raised in St. Louis until he was ten, then he moved to Orlando. He attended the University of Florida and graduated with a degree in Anthropology. Jeff likes the holistic approach of anthropology and hopes to one day do field work at an archaeological site. He chose UCF because he felt it is a very reputable institution and enjoys that it is close to home. Jeff is planning on earning a Ph.D. and would like to teach and conduct research on the university level. Jeff's advisor is Dr. Arlen Chase.

Andrew Ciofalo Andrew Ciofalo was born in Colorado, yet raised in New Jersey and attended the University of Massachusetts. He came to UCF to enjoy the warm weather and because the Mayan track intrigued him. Andy believes Anthropology helps us to better understand from where we came. Andrew's advisor is Dr. Arlen Chase.

Petra Cunningham-Smith Petra was born in Europe, raised in Florida and has worked in Law Enforcement including Crime Scene Investigation. She completed the Maya Studies Certificate Program and chose UCF because she wanted to continue her education In Maya studies and pursue research opportunities. Petra's advisor is Dr. Arlen Chase.

Lisa Duffy Lisa was born in Michigan, grew up in New England and moved to Florida in middle school. She has always been interested in world cultures as well as history and chose to study at UCF because of their Maya Studies Program. She would like to teach at the college level and looks forward to continuing her education in anthropology. Lisa's advisor is Dr. Arlen Chase.

Keith Edwards Keith is a research driven student with a number of degrees including an MA in Economics and an MS of Telecommunications Management. His passion for learning and research has led him to UCF's Maya Studies Track where he can satisfy his interest in ancient cultures. His advisor is Dr. Arlen Chase.

Rachel Egan To be added

Kim Harrod Kim Harrod received her BA in Anthropology from UCF and is now pursuing her MA in Anthropology as a part of the Maya Studies Track. She has a strong interest in the complex societies of Mesoamerica and is looking to expand her knowledge at UCF through her research. Her advisor is Dr. Arlen Chase.

Aubrey Houck Aubrey was born in Reading, PA, but she grew up in Orlando FL, where she graduated high school from Lake Highland Prep and first came to UCF for her BA. Aubrey chose UCF because of the Anthropology program. Her interest in Anthropology stems from her father and her curiosity about the past. Aubrey hopes to become a professor at a university and one day get funding for fieldwork. Her advisor is Dr. Arlen Chase.

Rachael Landry Rachael was born in Houston, TX, but she was raised in Mobile, AL where she graduated from the University of South Alabama in December of 2008. She decided that she wanted to go to the University of Central Florida because of the Maya studies track. Rachael is very interested in the study of people and the study of ancient cultures. She wants to continue her education to a PhD level and eventually teach at the university level and do field research for a season every year. Her advisor is Dr. Arlen Chase.

Tiffany Lindley Tiffany was born in New Hampshire but spent her time growing up in various places such as England, Texas, and Georgia. She went to the University of Alabama where she majored in Anthropology and graduated in May of 2009. Tiffany chose UCF because of the Maya Studies track and would like to pursue her Ph.D. She wants to be a researcher or teacher at the University level. Tiffany's advisor is Dr. Arlen Chase.

Lisa Lomitola To be added

Jackmaribet Moreno Jackie was born and grew up in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She and her family moved to Brevard county, Florida in 1991. Jackie received a BA in History at UCF. History's lack of ancient history and Latin American history classes helped her discover where her true interests lie, in Maya Studies. She plans on becoming a Field Archeologist. Jackie's advisor is Dr. Arlen Chase.

Jacqueline Siven Jacqueline was born in West Palm Beach, FL, but she grew up in Lake Worth, FL. She attended the University of Central Florida and received her B.A. in Anthropology. Jacqueline enjoys learning about other cultures and people and she also desires a career in Archaeology. She would like to further her education to receive her PhD in Archaeology and become a professor and complete her own research. Jacqueline's advisor is Dr. Diane Chase.

Mark Sullivan Mark was originally born in Boston but has lived in Florida for 25 years. He is interested in studying Maya culture and is looking at careers in the fields of education, tourism or research.

Phillip Wolfe Phil was born and raised in Miami, Florida before spending a year in Tallahassee but ending up in Orlando for school. He earned his B.A. at UCF and after looking into graduate programs he decided he wanted to stay here for his graduate studies. Phil is interested in archaeology and plans on having a related career. Phil's advisor is Dr. Arlen Chase.

Cultural Anthropology Sub Discipline

Selma Abdul Selma was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico but was raised in Brooklyn, NY. She is interested in the research that the UCF staff has conducted and wants to major in Anthropology because of her multicultural background. Selma wants to earn her PhD and teach at a four year institute while conducting research. Her advisor is Dr. Rosalyn Howard.

Michael Anderson Michael was born in Seattle, WA but grew up in Morristown, TN, where he attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He has lived in Florida for 4+ years and is recently married, so he has decided to stay in Florida and pursue his educational goals. Michael wants to one day become a professor and teach at the University level, both state side and globally. His advisor is Dr. Elayne Zorn

Patrick Barrett Patrick was born in Germany, but raised in several countries and states before his family finally settled outside of Tampa. Patrick is interested in anthropology because he is fascinated by people and different cultures, he hopes studying anthropology will facilitate his desire to understand and resolve human problems. Patrick hopes to pursue a life of service among an Arab population with research focused in the area of refugee studies and earn a Ph.D to possibly secure an academic post. Patrick's advisor is Dr. Elayne Zorn.

Joshua Crosby Joshua was born in Gainesville, Florida, and was an AmeriCorp volunteer before getting married and having a daughter. Joshua is interested in anthropology because he believes that it addresses current issues for people with contemporary problems. He chose UCF because he felt the program was very centered on student development and plans on earning a Ph.D. Joshua's advisor is Dr. Elayne Zorn.

Megan Douglas Megan was born in Grand Rapids, MI, but grew up between Ann Arbor, MI and Kingston, Jamaica. She believes anthropology has been an eye-opener for her and was excited when she realized there was a field of study dedicated to what she has been doing her entire life. Megan was encouraged by her sister, who earned her M.A. here, to check into UCF's anthropology programs. She is interested in one day working in a study abroad office. Megan's advisor is Dr. Joanna Mishtal.

Anne Kendrick Anne was born and raised in Orlando, FL where she went to the University of Central Florida to earn her BA. She has always admired the Anthropology program at UCF and the staff's academic focuses. Anne would like to eventually work in the non-profit sector, particularly in the human rights area, or she would like to work in the linguistic track working with languages. Her advisor is Dr. Elayne Zorn.

Michael McKee To be added

Cheney Swedlow Cheney is originally from California and was raised in Fort Meyers and Sanibel Island. She realized in her senior year of undergraduate studies, while taking a cultural ecology class, that cultural anthropology would enable her to study the fields in which she is most interested. Cheney is pursuing a doctoral degree in Anthropology or Human Security and would ultimately like to teach, write, and conduct research at the university level. She chose UCF because she liked the idea of a new program and believed that UCF's future growth and enthusiasm was contagious. Cheney's advisor is Dr. Ty Matejowsky.

Wendi Szafran Wendi was born in Brooklyn, NY and moved to Orlando, FL when she was a child. Wendi choose to attend UCF because she will be able to study and be close to her loved ones. She took an Anthropology class and fell in love with it. Although she isn't certain about her specific career, she is certain that she wants to help people and find a little piece of herself through her studies. Wendi's advisor is Dr. Matthew McIntyre.

Keri Tessitore Keri was born in New York and moved to Florida when she was seven; she spent most of her life in Venice and moved to Orlando to pursue her education. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and minored in Anthropology. Keri has always had an interest in anthropology and she knew she wanted to study it further when it was her minor. She chose UCF because of its growing opportunities, and hopes to do museum work, be a Cultural Specialist or work at a University. Keri's advisor is Dr. Leslie Sue Lieberman.

Brian Tillesen Brian was born in Illinois and lived there for most of his life until high school when his family moved to Tampa, Florida. Brian came to UCF for his undergraduate degree and decided to return for his graduate degree because he was familiar with the school, program, and faculty members. Since he has a special interest in the diversity of human culture, Cultural Anthropology seemed like a logical step for him. Brian plans on becoming researcher, author, and university professor. Brian's advisor is Dr. Elayne Zorn.

Danielle VerPlanck Danielle VerPlanck was born in south Florida and raised in Coral Springs, Florida. She earned her BA in Anthropology from The University of Florida and later lived in Chicago while studying Improv Theater. She is interested in Applied Anthropology and hopes to work with tourism one day. Danielle's advisor is Dr. Elayne Zorn.

Keisha Wiel Keisha was born and raised in Queens, New York then moved to Florida to attend the University of North Florida. She has always been interested in different cultures and envisions herself doing research on the language of Papiamentu. Keisha chose UCF for her graduate studies because of the school's diversity and its great atmosphere. Keisha's advisor is Dr. Rosalyn Howard.

Austin Zakari Austin Zakari was born in Virginia, grew up in Washington D.C. and received her BA in Anthropology from George Mason University. She later moved to Florida and was attracted by UCF's comprehensive program. Austin is fascinated with other cultures and the "Globe Village" of humanity. She hopes to one day teach and do research in the area of Islamic Studies and issues relevant to women. Austin's advisor is Dr. Joanna Mishtal.

Corinne Zellner To be added

Physical Anthropology Sub Discipline

Heba Abd El Salam Heba was born and raised in Egypt. Her main reason for attending the University of Central Florida is because it's a great place to learn. Heba is in the Archaeology Investigations track and would like to become a professor at the university level to teach Anthropology. Heba's advisor is Dr. Tosha Dupras.

Kelly Anderson Kelly was born and raised in Titusville, FL. She attended Florida State University and graduated with a degree in anthropology. She is planning on attending a Ph.D. program in Anthropology after she receives her MA. Her dream job would be to combine archaeology field work with museum curation. Kelly's advisor is Dr. Libby Cowgill.

Jennifer Branson Jennifer was born and raised in south Florida and moved to the Orlando area during middle school. Ever since she was little she dreamed of being an archaeologist and working in Egypt. Jennifer received her BA in Anthropology from UCF and decided to continue on for her Masters. Jennifer is interested in the use of histology in the field of forensic anthropology. Jennifer's advisor is Dr. Tosha Dupras.

Lauren Britton Lauren was born in Madrid, Spain, but grew-up in Tucson, Arizona. She received her BA in Anthropology and English Literature from Arizona State University. Lauren is interested in human osteology and its application to bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology. Lauren's advisor is Dr. Tosha Dupras.

Richard Chamberlin Rick received his B.A. at Western Carolina University but has spent the rest of his life in central Florida. He took classes at UCF as a non-degree seeking student and found the program exceptional. Rick would like to someday teach at the Community College Level. Richard's advisor is Dr. Tosha Dupras.

Holly Champion Holly was born in Memphis, Tennessee and raised in Virginia. She attended two Virginia Universities before coming to Florida. She chose UCF because of the focus on forensics, Holly has always been interested in the human body and she hopes to be able to help families discover what happened to their loved ones. Holly envisions herself as a professor and would love to one day work for the government and possibly work abroad. Holly's advisor is Dr. Matthew McIntyre.

Misty Del Hierro Misty was born in Iowa but grew up in various places such as California, Washington, Jamaica, Germany, Florida and Arizona. She received her BA in Anthropology and Biology at Northern Arizona University. Misty's interests include forensic anthropology and forensic archaeology. She is pursuing a career in CSI and wants to work at mass disaster sites. Misty's advisor is Dr. John Schultz.

Joanna Fletcher Joanna was born in Miami Beach but spent most of her childhood in Palmetto, FL. She attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate studies and received her BA in Anthropology and Criminology. Joanna chose UCF for her graduate work because of the chance to study forensic anthropology and to remain close to the ocean. Her interest lies in working with mass disaster sites or working at the central identification lab located in Hawaii as a forensic anthropologist. Joanna's advisor is Dr. John Schultz.

Jorge Garcia Although Jorge was born in Queens, NY, he grew up in Bogota, Colombia where he did most of his high school education. He moved to Miami to finish high school and then attended UCF where he obtained his BA in Anthropology. Jorge is very interested in archaeology as a way of exploring human behavior and cultural practices. He hopes one day to return to Colombia to conduct research. Jorge's advisor is Dr. Arlen Chase.

Amy Giroux Amy was born in New York and moved to Orlando two weeks before the launch of Apollo 11. She earned her B.S. in Engineering Technology from UCF and works in the computer industry. As a genealogist and family historian, Amy has spent countless hours in cemeteries looking for evidence of burials. She finds the symbolism and iconography in cemeteries to be quite fascinating and has seen that the evolution of the imagery through time and culture can shed light on how communities change. For her thesis, Amy is studying St. Michael's Cemetery in Pensacola to analyze ethnic burial identifiers amongst the gravemarkers. Her advisor is Dr. Diane Chase.

Tamara Grindle "Tam" or "Tami" was born and raised in central Florida. Tami obtained her B.Sc. in microbiology from Eckerd's College. Tami is interested in pursuing a career in FBI or CSI work, and has also expressed an interest in UCF's upcoming medical program to pursue interests in becoming a medical examiner. Tami's advisor is Dr. Tosha Dupras.

William Hawkins To be added

Brittany Jardine Brittany was born in Connecticut and graduated from the University of Florida with a double major in Anthropology and Classics. She has always been interested in anthropology and wants to help others though the information she will learn. Brittany chose UCF because it offers a specialization in Forensics and it's close to her family. She hopes to one day work within a community with a high level of involvement, both academically and professionally. Brittany's advisor is Dr. Tosha Dupras.

Noel Johns Noel really likes Anthropology as a whole, but her passion lies in the area of forensic anthropology and she plans to continue learning by pursuing her PhD after completing her Master's Degree here at UCF. Her advisor is Dr. John Walker.

Beth Keller Beth was born in Tachikowa, Japan and raised in Orlando and received a BSBA from the University of Phoenix. She has always found the cultures of humans fascinating and chose UCF because she wanted to fulfill her goals from earlier in her life and she felt UCF has the opportunities to do so. Beth would like to work in a museum but is interested in teaching at a professional level. Beth's advisor is Dr. Tosha Dupras.

Nathan Lawres To be added

Cindy Malnasi Cindy was born and raised in Switzerland where she studied Egyptology, Prehistoric Archaeology, and Zoology. She has been interested in Osteology due to her Archaeology background and chose UCF because it combines Archaeology and Forensic Anthropology. Cindy would like to work in both fields after she is finished with school. Cindy's advisor is Dr. Tosha Dupras.

Michael Martin Mike grew up in a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he majored in Criminal Justice, minored in Anthropology, and earning a certificate in Death Investigations. Mike has always enjoyed Forensic Anthropology and his undergraduate work only enhanced his feelings. Mike plans on becoming a Crime Scene Technician or work in a Medical Examiner's Office. Mike's advisor is Dr. John Schultz.

Sarah McManus Sarah was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee and graduated from the University of Tennessee with a BA in Anthropology. She decided to study Forensic Anthropology because she is fascinated with bones and would like to someday work for the Central Identification Lab in Hawaii or in a museum. Sarah's advisor is Dr. John Schultz.

Roberta Murphy Roberta Murphy received her BA in Anthropology here at UCF, and she is now pursuing a MA degree in the area of Archaeological Investigations in Forensic and Human Adaptation. She would also like to obtain a PhD and teach at the University level. Her advisor is Dr. John Schultz.

Lauren Novak Lauren was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised near Tampa, Florida. She attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate studies and took a year off before pursuing her graduate studies. During this year she had a SCA internship in the Great Smokey Mountains and worked as a substitute high school teacher. Lauren is interested in Forensic Anthropology because it combines anatomy, biology and people. She came to UCF to work with Dr. Shultz and at the recommendation of her professors. Lauren would like to teach and work at a human identification lab. Lauren's advisor is Dr. John Schultz.

Sarah Roberts Sarah was born in St. Petersburg, Florida and spent many summer digging up animals bones with her mom while her mom was in Veterinary school at UF. She wanted to study anthropology because she has always loved a good mystery and believes there isn't anything more interesting than human beings. She would someday like to teach and conduct research and chose UCF because it was highly recommended by her professors at UF. Sarah's advisor is Dr. Matthew McIntyre.

Joshua Robin Josh was born in Chicago and raised in the southwest suburbs. He attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale where he majored in Anthropology and minored in forensic science. Josh decided to attend UCF for Arch Investigations, the general coursework, and the professors who work at UCF. He loves the idea of studying humans on a holistic level and would like to work as a professor at the university level teaching biological anthropology. His advisor is Dr. Tosha Dupras.

Andrew Tetlow Andy, also known as "Red Thunder", was born and raised in Orlando. Andy received his BA in Anthropology from UCF. Andy is interested in archaeology, and would like to develop a field/research project in the Maya area, and hopes to one day have a career teaching archaeology. Andy's advisor is Dr. Arlen Chase.

Richard Skandera To be added

Lindsey Thomas Lindsey decided to study anthropology because she has varied interests such as forensics, anatomy, psychology and criminology. After moving to Florida from Detroit in 2000, she chose UCF because wanted to stay close to home for her undergraduate degree. Once attending the school, Lindsey decided she wanted to stay for her graduate studies as well. Lindsey would like to work full time in a law enforcement agency and possibly in an academic setting. Lindsey's advisor is Dr. Tosha Dupras.

Elizabeth Wallace Elizabeth or "Liz" grew up in Phoenixville, PA. She received her BA in Classical Studies from George Washington University, and lived in Rosslyn, VA for two years after that. Liz is interested in forensic anthropology and hopes to go on for her Ph.D. Liz's advisor is Dr. Tosha Dupras.

Dennis Wardlaw Dennis graduated from the University of Georgia in December 2003. Hes currently working on his thesis regarding a geophysical survey of a local cemetery. His advisor is Dr. John Schultz.