Celeste Schultheiss

Graduate Teaching Assistant

Anthropology: Biological Anthropology, Bioarchaeology, Mortuary Practices, Human Growth and Development, Paleopathology, Dental Anthropology, Life History Approach, Resilience Theory

Hello! My name is Celeste Schultheiss, and I am a (now graduated) master's student in Biological Anthropology at George Mason University. I am originally from Hot Springs, Arkansas (Woo Pig Sooie!), and earned my Bachelor's degree in Anthropology from Indiana University.

My research at GMU focused on childhood biological stress in ancient Peruvian populations by analyzing dental fluctuating asymmetry (FA). Focusing on two Colonial-era Muchik communities, Mórrope and Eten (1536–1750 CE), I examined how Spanish colonialism and socioeconomic disruption impacted Indigenous health and development. This work is part of the Lambayeque Valley Biohistory Project, directed by Dr. Haagen Klaus. I plan to continue this research as I begin my PhD in Biological Anthropology at the University of Arkansas in the fall of 2026.

Outside of academia, I enjoy caring for houseplants, reading, and spending time with my five-year-old corgi, Maple.

Courses Taught

ANTH 136 (Spring 2026)

ANTH 136 (Fall 2025)

TA for ANTH 385 (Fall 2024) with Jamie L. Clark

TA for ANTH 135-001 (Spring 2025) with Kimberly Foecke

Education

Ph.D in Anthropology, University of Arkansas - Beginning August 2026

M.A. in Anthropology, George Mason University - May 2026

B.A. in Anthropology, Indiana University, Indianapolis - May 2024