Rachael Byrd, Ph.D

Rachael Byrd, Ph.D
Adjunct Instructor of Anthropology

Expertise

  • Bioarchaeology
  • Biological Anthropology
  • Skeletal variation
  • Population genetics
  • Early agricultural societies
  • North American Southwest

Education

  • Ph.D., Anthropology, University of Arizona, 2019
  • M.A., Anthropology, University of Arizona, 2012
  • B.A., Fort Lewis College, 2007

Contact:

Phone Icon 970-247-6345
Email Icon Email

Media Contact

Our faculty are available to comment on topics related to areas of interest or expertise. If you need further assistance, call Media Relations at 970-247-6073 or email Media Relations.


About Rachael Byrd

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and moved to the Southwest to attend FLC and the University of Arizona, focusing on Archaeology and Biological Anthropology. I have since relocated back to Colorado and split my time living in Durango and the northern San Luis Valley.

My experience includes teaching Introduction to Anthropology (4-field approach), Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, Introduction to Archaeology, Introduction to Biological Anthropology, Human Variation, and Women's Health from a Non-Western Perspective at The University of Arizona, Pima Community College, Fort Lewis College, and online with the Colorado Community College System. I have also worked as a Regional Training Specialist/Coach for the State of Colorado.

I have conducted extensive bioarchaeological work with southern Arizona and northern Sonora ancestral populations. My research involves studying how early human migrations and post-marital residence impacted biological variation in the North American Southwest to understand how people bioculturally adapt to changing subsistence patterns and transitioning social organization. 

In my free time, I enjoy running and hiking and playing with my 2 (almost 3) year-old son and Rhodesian Ridgeback.