Areas of interest
Ancient DNA, Human Osteology, Bioarchaeology
Education
- HBSc (with High Distinction): Forensic Anthropology Specialist, University of Toronto
Biography
I graduated from the University of Toronto holding an Honours Bachelor of Science with a specialization in forensic anthropology in 2023. While working on my undergraduate degree, I conducted research on infant mortality within a bioarchaeological context, soil micromorphology, and the application of evolutionary quantitative genetic to paleoanthropology. These experiences have led to my current graduate studies, where my focus is on ancient DNA and bioarchaeology.
Research
My current research serves to act as a validation study for a minimally destructive protocol for sampling ancient DNA from human teeth. This less invasive methods may be considered in cases where samples are of anthropological value or are subject to stringent restrictions on sampling practices, such as when handling Indigenous remains or museum collections.
Publications
Del Giacco, Luca. 2022. “Reflecting on a Bioarcheology Field School: The Fortress of Louisbourg.” Young Anthropology 4: 52.
Del Giacco, Luca. 2021. “Maroni Vournes Micromorphology Study of Possible Earthen Construction Materials on Late Cypriot Bronze Age Wall.” Young Anthropology 3: 11-20.
Del Giacco Luca &, Schroeder Lauren. “Does early Homo dental size variation follow a neutral pattern of divergence?” PaleoAnthropology. [under review].
Conference Publications
Del Giacco, L., Zhang, H., & Yang, D. “Did You Double Glove? A Simulation of the High Risk of DNA Contamination when Working on Ancient Human Remains” presented at the 9th Centre for Forensic Research Symposium, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia.
Tran CNH., Del Giacco L., Cardoso H., & Yang D. “Minimally destructive and non-invasive approaches in ancient human and forensic DNA analysis” presented at the 50th Annual Meeting of Canadian Association of Biological Anthropology, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Del Giacco Luca. “Infant Mortality Rate at The Barrack Hill Cemetery” presented at the 27th Forensic Science Day, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario.
Del Giacco Luca. “Infant Mortality Rate at The Barrack Hill Cemetery” presented at the UTMAS Anthropology Conference, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario.
Del Giacco Luca & Schroeder Lauren. “Does Early Homo Dental Variation Follow a Neutral Pattern of Divergence?” poster presented at the Annual Meeting of Paleoanthropology Society of Canada Virtual Conference, Canada.
Del Giacco Luca & Schroeder Lauren. “Does Early Homo Dental Variation Follow a Neutral Pattern of Divergence?” poster presented at the 49th Annual Meeting of Canadian Association of Biological Anthropology, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.