Meet Andrée, an Assistant Professor in Forensic Science at Laurentian University in Ontario, Canada. She has a BSc in Forensic Science and Anthropology from Laurentian University, a MSc in Human Osteology and Funerary Archaeology from the University of Sheffield, and a PhD in Biological Anthropology from University of Manitoba.
Osteoarchaeologist (n) - a scientist who analyzes human remains excavated from archeological sites
Andrée says she was a "dinosaur kid." She memorized all the facts she could and then would "talk your ear off" if dinosaurs were even brought up in the conversation! As a child, Andrée would watch a show on The Learning Channel all about dinosaurs, but then also the next show that was on... all about archaeology. She says that show lead her to her lifelong passion: "I went off into different interests but always seemed to come back to archaeology and especially the study of human remains."
Recently having accepted her position as an Assistant Professor, Andrée says she loves to geek out over bones with her students. She shares with them just how amazingly cool the human skeleton and skeletal system is. Like many who don't work a typical "9 to 5 job," Andrée is striving to achieve a better work-life balance, particularly, she says, because "there is always work to do, and since I love what I do, it's easy to let it take over my time and energy."
After having time to consider what she would like to name the dark coordinating color inspired by her and her profession, Andrée decided on "foramen" because it indicates a void within our bones. She said: "Foramen are interesting because they clearly reflect the closer relationship between our skeletal system and all our other tissues. From the foramen magnum at the base of the skull which allows your spinal cord to meet your brain, to the itty-bitty nutrient foramen allowing blood supply into your bones, these features show just how connected our systems are and that bones are indeed living tissues."
When asked what she would say to inspire young girls to pursue a STEM degree program or future career, Andrée said:
"Go full-speed into whatever you are passionate about. Don't worry about people thinking you're weird. All the best people are weirdoes."
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