Michele R. Buzon

Michele R. Buzon is Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Anthropology at Purdue University’s College of Liberal Arts. Since joining Purdue in 2007, she has taught courses ranging from introductory human evolution to advanced osteology and the archaeology of identity, while directing an active bioarchaeology laboratory and field project in Sudan.

Education:

• Ph.D., Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara (2004)

Research Focus:

Dr. Buzon’s research integrates bioarchaeology, paleopathology, and isotope geochemistry to explore the biocultural consequences of sociopolitical change in the Nile Valley, particularly the entangled identities and health outcomes of ancient Nubian and Egyptian populations. Her long-term field project at Tombos, Sudan—active since 2000—has yielded over 200 burials spanning the New Kingdom through Napatan periods. The site preserves both Egyptian-style pyramid tombs and Nubian-style tumuli, offering a unique window into cultural interaction, colonialism, and resistance.

Working with colleagues such as Stuart Tyson Smith (UCSB) and Antonio Simonetti (Notre Dame), she employs strontium and oxygen isotope analyses to reconstruct individual mobility and migration, while skeletal and dental analyses reveal patterns of occupational stress, disease, and dietary change. Recent NSF-funded work (BCS-1916719) examines how Holocene climate change altered bioavailable strontium isotope signatures across the Nile Valley, refining interpretive models for human movement.

Scientific Awards & Recognition:

• National Science Foundation Senior Research Grants (BCS-1916719, BCS-1359210, BCS-0917815, BCS-1128950)
• National Geographic Society Committee for Research and Exploration Grant
• American Philosophical Society Franklin Research Grant
• Humanities Without Walls consortium grant (with University of Chicago & University of Michigan)
• Killam Trust Fellowship
• Institute for Bioarchaeology Research Support
• American Association of Physical Anthropologists Professional Development Grant

Grants & Advising:

Dr. Buzon has secured more than $400,000 in NSF funding for collaborative projects on identity formation, climate change, and mobility in the Nile Valley. She currently mentors four graduate students (Guilbault, Marshall, Sanders, Whitmore) and has graduated eight PhD and MS students, as well as numerous undergraduate researchers. The Purdue Bioarchaeology Laboratory, housed in Stone Hall B-11, curates the Tombos skeletal collection and provides training in osteological and isotope preparation techniques.

Laboratory & Field Team:

Co-Director, Tombos Archaeological Project, Sudan (2000–present)
Principal Osteologist, Tombos, Sudan (2000–2020)
Principal Osteologist, La Tiza Project, Nasca, Peru (2005, 2009)
Principal Osteologist, Merowe Dam Salvage Project, Sudan (2003)