jbengtson@semo.edu
573-651-2146
Office: Art Building 109B
Ph.D. in Anthropology, Michigan State University
M.A. in Anthropology, Michigan State University
B.A. in Anthropology, Minnesota State University-Moorhead
My research focuses on the intersection of archaeology and biological anthropology. I am particularly interested in inter-and intra-community variation in experiences of gender and childhood in Mississippian societies. My dissertation approached such issues from skeletal and mortuary perspectives, but I have recently focused more specifically on ceramic manufacture, decoration, and exchange as a means of studying identity in the past. I have done field work in the North Dakota, the Central Illinois River Valley, and Southeast Missouri.
I also do research and teach courses in forensic anthropology-- the application of the techniques and methods of biological anthropology to questions of medicolegal significance. I am excited about my work with Southeast forensic chemist Dr. Jim McGill to develop new research projects that facilitate collaboration between anthropology and chemistry students.
I regularly consult with local and regional law enforcement on cases involving human skeletal remains. I also provide guidance on cultural resource management issues in Southeast Missouri in cooperation with the State Historic Preservation Office
Academic Interests:
• Mississippian Archaeology
• Oneota Archaeology
• Mortuary analysis
• Bioarchaeology
• Ceramic analysis
• Anthropology of gender
• Anthropology of childhood
• Forensic Anthropology
Personal Interests:
• Running
• Camping
• Cooking and eating vegan food
• Friends and family
• Dogs
Contact
Department of History
One University Plaza, MS 4150
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701