Evaluating Adolescent Rickets in the Netherlands in the 19th Century

The proposed research aims to use non-destructive MicroCT analysis to investigate the levels of adolescent rickets and potential gender differences in the occurrence of the condition in two 19th century communities, Beemster and Hattem, in the Netherlands. In paleopathology, patterns of rachitic changes are well recognized in individuals that died during infancy and early childhood, however, they have not been properly assessed in adolescents. This research will be the first to observe and evaluate the changes occurring in adolescence, thus creating a framework by which rickets can be evaluated in adolescents of other populations. The Mitacs Globalink grant will give me the opportunity to travel to the Netherlands to work in a European university with an extensive skeletal collection and access to a MicroCT centre. This research will be instrumental in strengthening my skills in the analysis of metabolic bone diseases in archaeological human remains.

Faculty Supervisor:

Megan Brickley

Student:

Partner:

Leiden University

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

McMaster University

Program: