On March 18^th-21^st, 2026, the American Association of Biological Anthropologists held their 95^th annual meeting in Denver, Colorado. Anthropology undergraduate student Payton Gray, graduate student Tabitha Dentice, and professor Dr. Laurie Reitsema attended this conference to share their research, learned about emerging topics and trends in biological anthropology, and fostered their network!

Pictured here, Payton and Tabitha met fellow grad student Marlon Koci, who presented his research comparing regional dietary patterns in Central Eurasia during a poster session on the 19^th. Dr. Reitsema serves on both Tabitha and Marlon’s committees and mentored Payton.

On the 20^th, Payton, Tabitha, and Dr. Reitsema all presented their own research during a podium session. Payton’s research focused on the weaning patterns at the Roman site of Dyracchion/Epidamnus. Tabitha presented a portion of her master’s research, focusing on the heterogeneity of weaning practices at the ancient Greek site of Himera. Dr. Reitsema presented another aspect of weaning practices at Himera, focusing on how parental investment influenced survivorship.