Meet Tonya Simpson, the new Faculty Service Officer in Anthropology

Joining the Department of Anthropology in January 0f 2023, Tonya Simpson, a former student in our Department is the newest academic staff and our Faculty Service Officer.  Tonya replaces her one-time supervisor, the now retired Pamela Mayne Corriea, as the Curator of the Bryan/Gruhn Ethnographic Collection, which is only one of the many collections she is responsible for here in the Department.

Tell us about your research

I haven't started my research yet because I'm so new and am busy getting courses underway, but as a forensic anthropologist, my research interests include the study of ancestry estimation and the effects of trauma on skeletal remains.

What inspired you to enter this field?

I saw forensic anthropology as the perfect opportunity to pursue my interests in academic research and applying anthropological practices to humanitarian and social justice efforts.

Tell us about your teaching

Right now, I am teaching a course (ANTHR 494) in forensic anthropology, where students have the chance to learn to practice methods of skeletal analysis, write osteobiographies, and learn from experts in the medicolegal field. Next year, I will teach related courses in Skeletal Trauma and Human Osteoarchaeology. I completed my undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Alberta, so I am fairly familiar with the university.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I am quite busy with my son (3 years) and daughter (nearly 2). We live on an acreage just south of Pigeon Lake, where we enjoy gardening. I have always enjoyed exercise, reading, writing, and art.

Welcome to the Department, Tonya!