Dr. Jessica K. Juarez is an anthropologist and biomedical scientist. She is currently a contract forensic anthropologist at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). The mission of the DPAA is to provide the fullest possible accounting for our missing personnel to their families and the nation. Prior to serving this mission, Dr. Juarez was an ORISE Research Participant at the US Army Institute of Surgical Research. At the USAISR, she worked alongside a trauma surgeon to explore and develop experimental protocols for the treatment and prevention of heterotopic ossification(HO) following traumatic injury. She has also lectured upper division and community college level anthropology courses, conducted field work at the Ohio Valley Archaeology Field School, and completed research on blunt force impact to the cranium at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History using he Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection.
Research and Current Projects
Dr. Juarez is currently focused on anthropological casework with the aim of contributing to the identifications of American POW/MIAs. Concurrently, she is collaborating with a former military trauma surgeon continuing to explore possible treatments for HO from a translational science perspective. Dr. Juarez is also interested in, and currently collaborating with, other Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) anthropologists to contribute to and educate the anthropological community. She hopes to encourage other early career BIPOC students to contribute to the field.
Courses
- ANTH 443/843: Dental Anthropology
Selected Publications
Infection Preceded Heterotopic Ossification in Combat Wounded. US Army Medical Department Journal, 2018. Juarez JK, Pugh MJ, Wenke JC, Rivera JC.
Treatments and Preventative Measures for Trauma- Induced Heterotopic Ossification: A Review. Clinical and Translational Science, 2018. Juarez JK, Wenke JC, Rivera JC.