Christina L. Fojas

Christina L. Fojas, Associate Professor at Marist College's School of Science, specializes in Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant Studies. She directs the Gross Anatomy Laboratory and serves as Interim Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). Her academic journey includes a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Tennessee and an MS in Forensic and Biological Anthropology from Mercyhurst University.

• Education:
  • PhD, Anthropology, University of Tennessee (2016)
  • MS, Forensic and Biological Anthropology, Mercyhurst University (2010)
  • BA, Anthropology, New York University (2006)

Dr. Fojas integrates scholarship of teaching and learning with forensic anthropology, focusing on metacognition, anatomy education, and skeletal biology. Her work includes validating learning environment tools and developing 3D anatomical models for pedagogy.

Her peer-reviewed publications span anatomy education, skeletal biology, and forensic anthropology. Recurring themes include student learning strategies, forensic age estimation, and bioarchaeological health analysis. She has received multiple grants and awards, including the Wenner-Gren Dissertation Fieldwork Grant and Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship.

• Scientific Awards:
  • 2015: Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship, Honorable Mention
  • 2013: Wenner-Gren Fieldwork Grant
  • 2017: Faculty Travel Fund, Marist College
  • 2010: Sister Eustace Taylor Award, Mercyhurst University
  • Multiple travel grants from the William M. Bass Endowment and American Association of Anatomists

Dr. Fojas advises graduate students in anatomy and physical therapy, with projects funded by Marist's Strategic Plan. Her lab work includes forensic skeletal analysis and 3D printing innovations. She has contributed to over 20 forensic cases across five states and led training for the FBI's Evidence Response Team.