Kimberly Wren

Kimberly Wren is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of North Texas, housed within the College of Arts and Sciences. She is actively engaged in research and teaching focused on human rights, racialization, and bioarchaeology, with a strong emphasis on marginalized communities globally and locally.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2017)
• M.A. in Biological Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2007)
• B.A. in Archaeology, University of Texas at Austin (2004)

Her research interests include political and human rights anthropology, North American and Mesoamerican bioarchaeology, African and European diaspora archaeology, dental anthropology, and forensic anthropology. She teaches on systemic discrimination, racialization, health disparities, social movements, and alternative narratives in marginalized communities. Her work seeks to reconstruct more democratic and inclusive historical accounts that reflect diverse racial and class affiliations.

The available publications indicate a strong focus on both paleopathological analysis of skeletal remains and community-centered archaeological advocacy, particularly in African American cemeteries. Her research bridges biological and social anthropology, contributing to public understanding of health, inequality, and historical erasure.

Scientific Awards:

• No scientific awards listed in the provided text.

Kimberly Wren serves as an advisor and mentor in the McNair Scholars Program, supporting underrepresented students in pursuing graduate education. She is actively involved in student research projects, fostering academic development and critical engagement with issues of social justice. While no grants are explicitly mentioned, her community advocacy and scholarly work suggest engagement with public scholarship and outreach initiatives.

She has presented her research at major conferences including the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, the Southeastern Archaeological Conference, and the Midwest Political Science Association. Her interdisciplinary approach spans anthropology, history, public health, and political science, reflecting a commitment to applied and engaged scholarship.