Anthropology Graduate Student Highlight Series: Jennifer Laughton

Welcome to the Anthropology Graduate Student Highlight Series! In this series, we will showcase our current graduate students' incredible work and research as they navigate their unique academic journeys. Each student is on their own path, progressing at their own pace, and we celebrate the diversity of experiences and achievements within our department. Through these highlights, we aim to inspire and motivate our community by sharing our students' stories, challenges, and successes. Join us in celebrating their dedication and contributions to the field of anthropology.

Highlighting Jennifer Laughton's Accomplishments and Journey in Anthropology

Jennifer Laughton, a PhD graduate student at the University of Alberta, has made great strides in the field of Anthropology, particularly within the sub-discipline of dental anthropology. Her current research project delves into studying human dental remains, employing various measurement methods to assess accuracy and precision. This research is important for informing the ethics of archaeological projects and establishing best practices for measuring teeth before conducting any destructive analyses.

Academic Journey and Inspirations

Jennifer's academic journey began with a focus on Near Eastern archaeology during her undergraduate studies. It wasn’t until she joined the University of Alberta that she learned archaeology was a sub-discipline of anthropology. This realization and her work with human remains ignited her passion for further research in this field. Over time, her academic interests have evolved to include biological and socio-cultural anthropology, broadening her theoretical base and interdisciplinary approach.

A defining moment in Jennifer's academic path was a hiking trip to Siberia, where she also met with local osteologists and archaeologists. This experience underscored the potential for significant research collaborations and inspired her to pursue more profound studies in biological anthropology. Her passion for languages and cultural experiences gained through travel has further enriched her academic pursuits.

Jennifer's research engages with local and global communities by enhancing the understanding of human dental remains and their significance in archaeological and forensic contexts. Her collaboration with international colleagues aims to impact the field and the communities involved positively. Ethical conduct is a cornerstone of her research, ensuring that she follows established guidelines and protocols, seeks necessary permissions, and respects the cultural and historical significance of the materials she works with.

Jennifer has made significant contributions to the academic community at the University of Alberta through her active involvement in various student organizations and mentorship roles. As a former member of the Circumpolar Student Association, and the treasurer and past-president of the Association of Graduate Anthropology Students (AGAS), Jennifer plays a key role in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for her peers. Additionally, her work as a peer mentor for UAlberta International Student Services involves guiding international students through cultural and academic challenges, drawing from her past experiences as an exchange student. Her ability to balance academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities highlights her practical time management skills and commitment to maintaining a well-rounded and motivated approach to her studies.

Conferences and Presentations

Jennifer actively participates in academic conferences, regularly attending the Canadian Association of Biological Anthropologists (CABA) and recently attended a BAP workshop in Istanbul, Turkey. Her ability to present research in Russian has been a significant achievement, showcasing her language skills and research to an international audience. The positive feedback she received, particularly from her colleagues, validated her efforts and highlighted the quality of her work despite language barriers.

Research and Publications

One of Jennifer's key research findings is the comparison of different measurement methods for teeth, confirming that digital methods can be as accurate and precise as manual methods. This finding is crucial for developing cost-effective and accessible measurement protocols for archaeological projects. Jennifer has also published a paper in COMPASS, the University of Alberta's student journal for anthropology, titled “Ride, ride, ride, let it ride: Pathological Lesions in Horse Skeletons Related to Riding” and has a photo piece accepted for an upcoming issue. Her approach to writing academic papers involves setting clear timelines, breaking the work into manageable parts, and incorporating feedback from multiple reviewers.

Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

Jennifer's research journey has not been without challenges. The pandemic and geopolitical events, such as the war in Ukraine, disrupted her fieldwork plans. However, she adapted her research focus to work with the available data and sought alternative methods to achieve her research objectives. This resilience and adaptability have been critical to her success.

Awards and Recognitions

Jennifer's contributions to teaching and research have been recognized with several awards, including the Graduate Teaching Award through the Faculty of Arts and FGSR and a SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council) award. These accolades validate her hard work and dedication, providing motivation and recognition for her academic endeavours. A particularly proud moment for Jennifer was receiving the Graduate Teaching Award while sick in the hospital, reminding her of her commitment to teaching and research.

Personal Insights and Interests

To unwind and manage stress, Jennifer engages in pole dancing and aerial hoop, which significantly improve her mental and physical health and bring joy and a sense of accomplishment. She also enjoys folk dancing and hiking. Outside of academia, she is passionate about aerial sports (pole, hoop, and silks), cosplay and anime, and her two cats, Dantalion and Sebastian. These activities provide a creative outlet and balance to her rigorous academic schedule.

Future Goals and Aspirations

Jennifer's short-term goal is to complete her PhD and publish her research findings. In the long term, she aspires to secure a position that will allow her to continue her research and contribute to anthropology, potentially in a museum setting or as a curator. She hopes to explore more interdisciplinary projects that combine biological and socio-cultural anthropology and linguistic aspects related to her love for languages. Staying connected with the academic community after graduation is also a priority for Jennifer, who plans to participate in conferences, engage in collaborative research projects, and maintain professional relationships with colleagues and mentors.

A Message to Prospective Anthropology Students

Jennifer encourages prospective anthropology students to consider the University of Alberta for its supportive and diverse academic community. The university offers extensive resources and opportunities for interdisciplinary research, and students should take advantage of the collaborative environment, seek mentorship, and engaging in networking opportunities to enhance their academic journey.

In conclusion, Jennifer Laughton's journey in anthropology is marked by her dedication, resilience, and passion for research. Her contributions to dental anthropology and her engagement with local and global communities underscore the significant impact of her work, making her a valuable member of the academic community at the University of Alberta.