Lab — Rick W. A. Smith, Ph.D.

About the Lab

The Critical Molecular Anthropology Lab [CMAL] provides research capacities for lab members, collaborators, and community partners to merge molecular techniques with critical, archaeological, historical, bioethical, anti-racist, and decolonial frameworks. CMAL was built as a genome research arm in connection with my work in the Indigenous STS Lab and Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities with whom I work closely. As such, it provides a space to support critical scientific capacities for lab members at Mason as well as community partners across North America with whom we work closely. The goal of CMAL is to take on genome research as grounds for critical reinvention. The lab is comprised of a contemporary genomics facility in David King Hall and a paleogenomics facility in the Krasnow Institute (under construction), both located on the main Fairfax Campus of George Mason University, 20 miles west of Washington D.C.

Current Lab Members

Ruth Brenton

Ruth is a first year MA student interested in bioarchaeology, isotopic analysis, mobility/migration, and ancient DNA.

Brianna Dittmer

Brie is a second year MA student interested in community-based bioarchaeology and paleogenomics. Her thesis is focused on the Belen Recovery Project in New Mexico.

Kathleen Gruber

Kate is a first year MA student interested in bioarchaeology, repatriation, and ethical collections management.

Amanda Magpiong

Amanda is a Senior Undergraduate Research Assistant and double major in government and anthropology. Her BA honors thesis is focused on the legal history of farm tenancy.

Jendaya Williamson

Jendaya is a Senior Undergraduate Research Assistant and psychology major with a concentration in clinical psychology. Their research interests are Queer, Black, and Indigenous critical theory and disruptive research frameworks.