Introduction
Dr. Lee received her PhD in anthropology from Arizona State University. Her research interests include the effect of imperialism on local populations in China and Mongolia. She specializes in non-Chinese ethnic populations including ancient Mongolians, Tibetans, Uighur, and Dian. Previous research has focused on the biological affinities and population history of China and Mongolia from the Bronze Age to the Medieval Period. One of her current projects explores the antiquity of infectious diseases in East Asia, including leprosy, tuberculosis, and brucellosis. Another project involves documenting the physical changes in the skeleton which occur in the practice of female foot binding in Qing Dynasty northern China. Dr. Lee has recently begun dental anthropological work on the Kellis 2 cemetery, Dakhleh Oasis Project, Egypt. She is a National Geographic Emerging Explorer and a TED Global Fellow.
Areas of Specialization
Bioarchaeology, Paleopathology, Dental anthropology, Body modification, Deviant burials, China, Mongolia, Egypt.
Courses Taught
Bioarchaeology, Paleopathology, Advanced Paleopathology, Bioarchaeology of Identity, Bioarchaeology of Asia, Death and Dying in the Ancient World, Dental Anthropology.
Research Interests
Population history and migration, Ethnogenesis and identity, Central and East Asian archaeology (China, Mongolia, Taiwan), Egyptian archaeology, Origins and history of infectious disease (leprosy, tuberculosis, brucellosis), body modification (dental ablation and footbinding), deviant burial customs, and the Asian diaspora.
Educational Background
Ph.D. 2007, Anthropology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Museum Certification 2000, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
M.A. 1999, Bioarchaeology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
B.A. 1994, Archaeology, University of Texas, Austin, Austin, Texas
