I'm a biocultural osteologist who explores how research in forensics and bioarchaeology accounts for people of marginalized identities. I am particularly passionate about the integration of critical social theory and community-facing work in forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology.
Ph.D., Anthropology
Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY (2021)
Dissertation: Dietary Dimensions of Early-Life Stress in Medieval Prussia
M.Sc., Forensic Anthropology with Merit
University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK (2009)
Thesis: Assessing the Rate and Pattern of Decomposition in Charred Remains
B.A., Anthropology, summa cum laude
Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA (2008)
Present Director/Osteologist, Żelewo Bioarchaeology Field School, Żelewo, Poland.
2022-present Research Associate, Binghamton University, Dept. of Anthropology, Binghamton, NY.
2021-2023 Forensic Anthropologist, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY.
2019-present Research Associate, Humboldt State University, Dept. of Anthropology, Arcata, CA.
2017-2022 Adjunct Lecturer, Binghamton University, Dept. of Anthropology, Binghamton, NY.
2012-2020 Adjunct Lecturer, Humboldt State University, Dept. of Anthropology, Arcata, CA.
2015-2021 Forensic Anthropologist (Trainee), Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY.
2017 & 2019 Osteologist, Carlisle Barracks Cemetery Project, Carlisle, PA.
2014-2018 Director/Osteologist, Bezławki Bioarchaeology Field School, Bezławki, Poland.
2016 Adjunct Lecturer, State University of New York, Cortland, Dept. of Sociology and Anthropology, Cortland, NY.
2015-2016 Teaching Assistant, Binghamton University, Dept. of Anthropology, Binghamton, NY.
2010-2015 Forensic Anthropologist, Humboldt County Coroner's Office, Eureka, CA.
2010-2013 Deputy Coroner, Humboldt County Coroner’s Office, Eureka, CA.
Binghamton University (2015-2020 and 2022)
Undergraduate Courses (2017-2020 and 2022)
- The Science of the Skeleton (200-level, Lecture/Lab, enrollment: 30 students/semester)
- Human Skeleton (300-level, Lecture/Lab- taught every Spring, enrollment: 30 students/semester)
Teaching Assistant Courses (2015-2016)
- Buried Cities, Lost Civilizations (Introduction to Archaeology) (100-level, 2 discussion sections, enrollment: ~25 students/discussion section)
- Language, Communication and Culture in the US (100-level, 2 discussion sections, enrollment: ~25 students/discussion section).
Cal Poly Humboldt (2012-2020)
Selected Undergraduate Courses
- Human Evolution and Biology (Introduction to Biological Anthropology) (300-level, 3 semesters, enrollment: ~80 students/semester)
- Skeletal Biology and Forensic Anthropology (Lecture/Lab) (300-level, 2 semesters, enrollment: ~30 students/semester)
- Forensic Taphonomy (400-level, 2 semesters, enrollment: ~30 students/semester)
- Biological Anthropology Lab (300-level, 2 semesters, enrollment: ~30 students/semester)
- Zooarchaeology (Lecture/Lab) (300-level, 2 semesters, enrollment: ~30 students/semester)
- Current Perspectives in Bioarchaeology (300-level, online, 2 semesters, enrollment: ~20 students/semester)
- Advanced Biological Anthropology Methods (300-level, Lecture/Lab, co-instructor, 1 semester, enrollment: ~25 students/semester)
- Archaeology and World Prehistory (Introduction to Archaeology) (100-level, 4 semesters, enrollment: ~80 students/semester)
- Bioarchaeology of Bezławki (300-level, in field, 5 semesters, enrollment: 20 students/season)
- International Bioarchaeology Field Preparation (400-level, online, 4 semesters, enrollment: 20 students/season)
- Graduate School Preparation (400-level, 1 semester, enrollment: ~10 students/semester)
Graduate Courses
- Interdisciplinary Methods in Bioarchaeology (online, 1 semester, enrollment: 20 students/semester)
State University of New York, Cortland (2016)
- Human Evolution and Survival (Introduction to Biological Anthropology) (300-level, 1 semester, 2 sections, enrollment: 50 students/section)
Gruenthal-Rankin, T. Somogyi, A. Roome, and E. DiGangi. 2023. Beyond the Report: Prospects and Challenges in Forensic Anthropological Investigations of Structural Vulnerability. Special Issue in Forensic Science International: Synergy (Early View).
Gruenthal-Rankin, A. and T. Somogyi. 2022. Critical Review Essay: The Archaeology of Human Bones and Bioarchaeology: An Introduction to the Archaeology and Anthropology of the Dead. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 177(2): 369-371.
Ramsier, M., A. Gruenthal-Rankin, K. Gaddis, and A. Koperkiewicz. 2021. Sample Size and Representational Bias in Small Sites: A Case Study of Stature from Medieval Prussia. International Journal of Osteoarchaeology 31(4): 523-533.
DiGangi, E. and A. Gruenthal-Rankin. 2019. Skeletal Stress Markers and Subsistence Strategy in Prehistoric Chilean Populations of the Semi-arid North. Chungará 51(4): 613-626.
Gruenthal, A, T Simmons and C Moffat. 2012. Differential Decomposition Patterns in Charred Versus Un-Charred Remains. Journal of Forensic Sciences 57(1): 12-18.
• Embodied difference and social vulnerability in forensics and bioarchaeology
• Ethics and social justice in osteology
• Nonadult skeletal biology and phenotypic plasticity
• Skeletal pathology- congenital, nutritional, metabolic, and endocrine stress
Funded
Dissertation Year Award. Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University, NY ($8000)
2020 Humboldt State University, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Travel Award ($5,000)
2014 Humboldt State University, Faculty Research Fund (Primary Author): Assessing Dietary Patterns and Skeletal Health at the Early Medieval Mortuary Site of Bezławki, Poland ($3,000).
Unfunded
2018 National Science Foundation, Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant: Tracing the Roots of Heterogeneity: Dietary Dimensions of Early-Life Stress in Medieval Poland ($21,353)
2017 Wenner-Gren Dissertation Fieldwork Improvement Grant: Colonization in Medieval Prussia: Exploring Dietary Signals and Early-Life Stress ($13,328)
2014 President’s Loyalty Fund (Editor): X-Ray Fluorescence ($2,000- joint proposal with Archaeology Research Facility).
Dietary Dimensions of Early-Life Stress in Medieval Prussia (2021): Binghamton University
- Forensic Anthropology
- Bioarchaeology
- Physiological Effects of Early-life Stress
- Paleopathology
- Osteology of Non-adults
Assessing the Rate and Pattern of Decomposition in Charred Remains (2009): University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.
Gruenthal-Rankin, A., M. Ramsier, K. Gaddis, and A. Koperkiewicz. Early-Life Dietary Stress and Frailty after Colonization and Conversion in Medieval Prussia. American Association of Biological Anthropologists’ 91st Annual Scientific Meeting, Denver, CO.
DiGangi, E., A. Gruenthal-Rankin, and T. Somogyi. “They’re People Too”: Perspectives on the (Dis)embodiment of Teaching Assemblages. American Association of Biological Anthropologists’ 91st Annual Scientific Meeting, Denver, CO.
DiGangi, E., A. Gruenthal-Rankin, and T. Somogyi. 2021. Forensic Science and the Living: The Ethics of "Determining" Age from Minor Children. American Academy of Forensic Sciences’ 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting, virtual.
DiGangi, E., A. Gruenthal-Rankin and M. Trimble. 2018. Forensic Science, Death, and the Public: Towards Effective and Compassionate Communication. American Association of Physical Anthropologists’ 87th Annual Meeting, Austin, TX. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 165(S66): 68.
2018 Invited Lecturer, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL : Collaborative and Compassionate Work in Osteology: Exhumations at Carlisle Industrial Indian School Cemetery.
Gruenthal-Rankin, A., M. Ramsier, A. Koperkiewicz and M. Polcyn. 2016. Investigating early-life stress and early death through growth disruption in a medieval Prussian sample. 6th Annual Bioarchaeologists’ Northeast Regional Dialogue, Oneonta, NY.
2014 Karuk Tribal Monitor Training- Osteology, Cultural Resource Facility, Arcata, CA: Identifying bone fragments, human vs. non-human identification.
2011 & 2014 Invited Lecturer, Humboldt County Search and Rescue Posse: Distinguishing between Human and Non-human Skeletal Remains.
2012 Invited Lecturer, Arcata Volunteer Fire Department, Arcata, CA: Evidence Preservation and First Responders, SIDS Death Investigation and Post-Traumatic Stress.
2012 Invited Lecturer, Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department, Ferndale, CA: Evidence Preservation and First Responders; SIDS Death Investigation and Post-Traumatic Stress
Gruenthal AM. 2010. Differential Decomposition Patterns in Charred Versus Un-Charred Remains. American Academy of Forensic Sciences’ 62nd Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA. Proceedings of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. 16: 355.
2020 Human Bone Histology Workshop, Australia National University
2009 Dental Anthropology Short Course, University of Bradford, UK
2009 Radiation Safety and Radiograph Operation Training, University of Central Lancashire, UK
2009 Theodolite (Total Station) Training, University of Central Lancashire, UK
Member, American Association of Biological Anthropologists (AABA)
Associate Member, American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)