In Barbara’s current research, she examines defects in human dental enamel microstructures in order to understand patterns of disease and malnutrition (i.e., physiological stress) in the early life histories of individuals at Neolithic Çatalhöyük (7300 – 6000 cal. BC) and address questions about the complex interplay of social, technological, and ecological dynamics of risks and consequences for poor health during infancy and childhood within the community throughout time. Her research interests include Bioarchaeology, Dental Anthropology, physiological stress, dental enamel microstructures, linear enamel hypoplasia, Neolithic, Central Asia, Near East, social complexity, adaptive transitions.