Dr. Christina Warinner

Professor

Biography

Christina Warinner is a leading figure in biomolecular archaeology, focusing on the reconstruction of prehistory, human diets, and the evolution of the human microbiome. Her innovative research has yielded important findings about ancient DNA, including a comprehensive study on the human oral microbiome published in 2014, and significant insights into prehistoric health, the origins of dairying, and human population histories. Warinner's work includes a collaborative effort that identified key ancestral microbes in the microbiota of contemporary industrialized societies and the reconstruction of early population histories in the Himalayas. She has published extensively, contributing to over 70 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals and co-authoring books on archaeological theory and methods. Her achievements have earned her numerous accolades, such as being named a Kavli Fellow by the National Academy of Sciences and receiving the Trailblazing Women Scientist award from Science magazine in 2020. Additionally, Warinner is an active participant in scientific outreach, making her research accessible and engaging through educational initiatives and public lectures.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor
2014-01-01 — Present

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

Lead research initiatives in biomolecular archaeology and human dietary history.

Assistant Professor
— Present

University of Oklahoma • Norman, OK

Conducted research in anthropology and served in teaching roles.

Awards

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Exemplary Cross-Fields Award
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Trailblazing Women Scientist
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Kavli Fellow

Courses

Introduction to Archaeological Science Osteoarchaeology Human Diet – Neanderthals to Future Food Health and Disease Over 10,000 Years Advanced Archaeological Science Professionalization in Archaeology