Cassandra Kuba

Dr. Cassandra L. Kuba, Professor in the Department of Biology, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, is a biological anthropologist whose expertise lies in the study of the human skeleton and dentition. Dr. Kuba is passionate about interdisciplinary research and aims to deepen our understanding of life stories as written in bones and teeth.

Her investigative pursuits extend to examining factors that influence the postmortem preservation of remains, encompassing both biotic/abiotic elements and intrinsic/extrinsic variables. Dr. Kuba’s scholarly interests are broad, delving into the analysis of pathology and trauma impacting bones and teeth, exploring genetic diversity, and identifying markers of past activities.

As a consultant, Dr. Kuba lends her knowledge and skills to archaeological and forensic skeletal analyses, aiding local agencies and firms, such as the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Fayette County Coroner’s Office, North Strabane Police Department, and Christine Davis Consultants. Her commitment to community engagement is evident in her contributions to historical societies and educational institutions, where she offers insightful analyses and enriches learning experiences.  She uses these opportunities to demonstrate challenges in the field and teachable moments for her students. 

Dr. Kuba’s expertise also extends to the creative realm; she has served as a consultant to scriptwriters for acclaimed television series like Bones, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The Blacklist and Lucifer, as well as authors of murder mystery novels.

Her dedication to mentorship and community/university service has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Kuba has been honored with numerous accolades recognizing her excellence in teaching, her unwavering service, and her significant contributions to her field of study.