Biological Anthropology Research Center

Isotope Prep Lab

The Biological Anthropology Research Center (Bioanth Lab) is dedicated to providing training and research opportunities in evolutionary and applied biological anthropology and bioarchaeology.

At the lab, student research assistants learn methods and engage in research in evolutionary and applied anthropology by working both independently (as project leads and in groups) and with faculty and other researchers. The lab and its resources are also integrated into biological anthropology courses.

Students and staff are dedicated to outreach and collaboration - we work with students and faculty from other departments and institutions as well as consult on forensics cases to assist local agencies (see forensics services and resources).

Get Involved:

There are several ways to be involved in the lab:
  • Enroll in Anth 482 Anthropology Internship and apply to work in the lab.
  • Volunteer to assist with ongoing student and faculty projects.

Some areas of current interest include:

  • Stable isotope analysis
  • Forensic facial reconstruction
  • Comparative anatomy & physiology
  • Evolutionary ecology
  • Bioarchaeology & forensics
  • Taphonomy and zooarchaeology
  • DNA barcoding
  • Evolutionary medicine and nutrition
  • Primate behavior, ecology & conservation
  • Bioacoustics and communication

Resources:

  • Externally vented fume hood
  • Portable internally vented fume hood
  • Portable glove box
  • Desiccator cabinet
  • Centrifuges
  • Heat blocks
  • Drying oven
  • Incubator
  • Vortexes
  • Pipettors
  • Vacuum pump aspirator
  • Glassware and tubes
  • Dremel work stations
  • Microscopes
  • Microscribe
  • Osteometric boards and calipers
  • Analytical balance
  • Photography supplies
  • Zooarchaeological collection
  • Osteology collection
  • Primate and hominin fossil cast collection
  • Fingerprinting kits
  • Stable isotope prep equipment
  • Dissection supplies and workstation
  • PCR thermocycler & DNA barcoding equipment
  • Acoustics recording equipment and analysis software
  • General biological and chemistry equipment and supplies
  • Medieval Bioarchaeology in Poland Field Program

Get Involved:

There are several ways to be involved in the lab and bioanth at Cal Poly Humboldt:
  • Take courses in biological anthropology
  • Enroll in Anth 482 Anthropology Internship and apply to work in the lab.
  • Volunteer to assist with ongoing student and faculty projects.

Contact Information:

Dara Adams, Dara.Adams@humboldt.edu (Director)
Mary Beth Glenn, Mary.Glenn@humboldt.edu

Location:

Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS) building, Room 135
Anthropology Department
Cal Poly Humboldt
Arcata, CA 95521

Facilities