Unraveling the Mystery: Bioarchaeology and the Spanish Influenza of 1918

Meet Amanda Wissler

A Passion for the Past: Get to know Amanda, a dedicated bioarchaeologist, as she shares her remarkable journey into the realm of palaeopathology and bioarchaeology. Discover what sparked her interest in unraveling the mysteries of history buried within human remains.

Deciphering Frailty and Resilience

Exploring Key Concepts: Dive into the fundamental concepts of ‘frailty’ and ‘resilience’ within the realms of palaeopathology and bioarchaeology. Understand how these terms are defined and what they reveal about the human condition in times of adversity.

Traces of the Past

Unveiling Non-Specific Stress: Explore the intriguing world of skeletal remains, particularly teeth and bones, belonging to individuals who lived through the Spanish Influenza, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other ailments. Learn how bioarchaeologists identify signs of non-specific stress etched into the very fabric of these historical victims.

The Road Less Traveled

Amanda’s Journey: Join Amanda as she reflects on her personal journey and the preparation required to embark on groundbreaking research in the early stages. Discover the passion and dedication that drive her work in the field of bioarchaeology.

Parallels and Perspectives

Drawing Comparisons: Delve into a thought-provoking exploration of parallels and differences between the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Gain insights into how Amanda is adapting to the challenges of conducting research during a pandemic.

Navigating the Present

Cleveland Chronicles: Follow Amanda’s journey as she navigates the present circumstances during her data collection trip to Cleveland, which is significantly affected by the current pandemic. Learn about the importance of providing engaging and educational information about biology and anthropology in times like these.