University of Indianapolis MS in Anatomical Sciences Faculty & Staff

AREAS OF EXPERTISE


human anatomy, comparative anatomy, human variation, geometric morphometrics, growth and development, and human evolution

BACKGROUND


Before joining UIndy, Dr. Amandine Eriksen was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, training in current methods of teaching human anatomy to allied health professional and medical students. Her research explores the patterns and causes of asymmetry in the primate skeleton and how stress impacts bone growth. Using advanced technology, including a 3D scanner, Dr. Eriksen utilizes three-dimensional methods (geometric morphometrics) to study how early life stress and biomechanical stress impact primates, including humans, gorillas, and monkeys. Understanding how much stress living primates experience allows her to work toward (1) helping improve conservation efforts of endangered species and (2) better reconstructing what happened in the past among our recent and distant ancestors.CHECK OUT MORE OF DR. ERIKSEN’S WORK AND PHOTOS

RESEARCH INTERESTS

skeletal asymmetry, geometric morphometrics, primate comparative anatomy, human variation, and growth and development 

EDUCATION


• PhD, Biological Anthropology, University at Buffalo-SUNY

• MS, Human Biology, University of Indianapolis

• BS, Anthropology & Archaeology, Mercyhurst University

FAVORITE THING ABOUT UINDY


Having the opportunity to work with both undergraduate and graduate students!

Areas of Expertise

comparative anatomy and histology, herpetology

Background

Dr. Gribbins has published more than 45 manuscripts and book chapters on the histology of the reproductive system and spermatogenesis in reptiles and amphibians. He enjoys including undergraduates in his research and has had many undergraduates on his research publications. He is an herpetologist by training and has extensive experience handling large or venomous reptiles and also enjoys fieldwork within the area of herpetofauna. Check out Dr. Gribbins' publications, nature photos and more on his personal website

Research Interests

herpetology; reproductive anatomy and histology of male reproductive systems in reptiles and amphibians; comparative anatomy and physiology; spermatogenesis; and transmission electron microscopy

Education

PhD, Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati

Favorite thing about UIndy

Working with our engaging students.

Areas of Expertise

skeletal biology; forensic anthropology; human taphonomy; osteoarcheology; skeletal age estimation; biostatistics; historic cemeteries

Background

Dr. Nawrocki has taught full-time at the University of Indianapolis since 1991, where he is currently a tenured professor of biology and anthropology, serves as the Director of Osteology at the  Archeology & Forensics Laboratory, and is also the Director of the Master of Science in Human Biology program. One of only 60 board-certified forensic anthropologists in North America, Dr. Nawrocki has served as a consultant on hundreds of human remains cases in Indiana and Illinois and has delivered numerous lectures at educational seminars around the country. In 1999, Dr. Nawrocki was named "Teacher of the Year" at the University of Indianapolis, where he also received the Booker Teaching Award for the Sciences in 1993. Dr. Nawrocki has authored several books and has published in journals including the  Journal of Forensic Sciences and  Florida Anthropologists.

Research Interests

analysis and identification of human skeletons; environmental processes affecting buried and scattered bones (taphonomy); evidence recovery from outdoor crime scenes (forensic archeology)

Education

• PhD, Anthropology, State University of New York at Binghamton
• MA, Anthropology, State University of New York at Binghamton
• BA, Anthropology & Psychology, University of Maine at Orono

Areas of Expertise

physiology, cell biology, pathophysiology, pharmacology

Background

Before arriving at UIndy, Dr. Dean Wiseman was a research assistant professor at Indiana University School of Medicine, studying causes of Type 2 diabetes. During his time at IUSM, he took part in the discovery of a number of proteins in pancreatic insulin-secreting cells (beta cells) which are modified when the cells are stimulated with glucose, indicating their role in the mechanism of insulin release (J Biol Chem. 2011 May 6; 286(18):16344-54; Curr Diabetes Rev. 2012 Jul 1;8(4):303-15). What makes these proteins interesting is that the nature of the modifications could make these proteins vulnerable to stressful events, which could cause incorrect cellular function—leading to diabetes.

Research Interests

the role of protein changes in the development of diabetes and cancer; cave-related research involving water quality, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and cave-dwelling animals.

Education

• PhD, Biological Science, Purdue University
• MS, Biological Science, Purdue University
• BA, Biology, DePauw University

Favorite thing about UIndy

The students!