Dr. Richard A. Gonzalez, Ph.D., is a highly accomplished anthropologist with a comprehensive background in biocultural and medical anthropology, evolutionary medicine, human identification, clinical anatomy, and medical education. He earned his doctorate from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2007 and has since embarked on a remarkable journey of continuous professional growth and discovery.
With a wealth of experience, Dr. Gonzalez has imparted his knowledge in diverse educational settings, ranging from community college to medical school. His professional mission revolves around integrating the biocultural perspective not only as a pivotal element of anatomical education but also as a significant aspect of medical education objectives.
Dr. Gonzalez brings a rich set of skills to the table, including serving as a founding faculty member of the Frank H. Netter, MD, School of Medicine and having served as a consulting forensic anthropologist. His expertise extends to the development and implementation of integrated curricula, employing diverse teaching modalities. He has also assumed leadership roles involving program management and curriculum and program evaluation at the graduate and medical school levels.
Currently, Dr. Gonzalez holds the position of associate professor in the Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, where he manages multiple responsibilities in teaching, research, and administration. His research interests encompass biocultural approaches to medicine, forensic clinical anatomy, and medical education.
Dr. Gonzalez's current research portfolio reflects a multifaceted exploration into critical aspects of skeletal health and medical education. One key focus area involves investigating the intricate relationship between skeletal trauma and bone health. Through rigorous examination and analysis, Dr. Gonzalez seeks to enhance our understanding of how traumatic events impact bone structure and overall skeletal well-being.
Another pivotal dimension of his research revolves around the effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) on bone health. This inquiry delves into the potential repercussions of PFAS exposure on bone integrity, contributing valuable insights to the broader discourse on environmental influences on skeletal systems.
In alignment with his commitment to integrating anthropology into medical curricula, Dr. Gonzalez explores innovative approaches to seamlessly weave anthropological perspectives into the educational framework of medical students. This research initiative aims to enhance the understanding of the biocultural aspects of medicine, fostering a more holistic and comprehensive medical education experience.
Simultaneously, Dr. Gonzalez delves into the realm of medical education and anatomy. His research in this domain encompasses the development and implementation of effective teaching modalities, curricula, and program evaluations at both the graduate and medical school levels. By focusing on the integration of anthropological insights, he aims to contribute to the continuous improvement and refinement of medical education methodologies.
In summary, Dr. Gonzalez's current research endeavors span the intricate interplay between skeletal trauma and bone health, the impact of PFAS on bone integrity, the integration of anthropology in medical curricula, and the enhancement of medical education and anatomy. Through these multifaceted investigations, Dr. Gonzalez contributes significantly to advancing knowledge in these critical areas, bridging the gap between anthropology and medical sciences.
Niekrash CE, Copes LE, and Gonzalez RA. Frank Netter’s Legacy: Interprofessional Anatomy Instruction. Anatomical Science Education 8(4):348-359. 2015.
Gonzalez, RA. Determination of Sex from Juvenile Crania by Means of Discriminant Function Analysis. Journal of Forensic Sciences 57(1):24-34. 2012.
Gonzalez, RA. Human Exposure to Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): A Clinical Medical Anthropology Study of Bone Mineral Content. Society for Applied Anthropology Annual Meeting, Cincinnati, OH, March 28-April 1, 20023.
Gonzalez, RA; Bergden, J; Fortney, L; Heise, N; Musto, A; and Myers, M. Integrating Cultural Humility and Social Determinants of Health within the Human Anatomy Experience. 26th Annual International Association of Medical Science Educators, Denver, CO, June 4-7, 2022.
Myers, M; Fortney, L; Bergden, J; Gonzalez, R; Musto, E; and Heise, N. Green Initiatives to Improve the Learning Environment in the Human Anatomy Laboratory. 26th Annual International Association of Medical Science Educators, Denver, CO, June 4-7, 2022.
Fortney, L; Heise, N; Bergden, J; Gonzalez, R; Myers, M; and Musto, A. Distribution of Neuroanatomy Content in First Year Medical Human Gross Anatomy. 26th Annual International Association of Medical Science Educators, Denver, CO, June 4-7, 2022.
Must, A; Heise, N; Bergden, J; Fortney, L; Myers, M; and Gonzalez, R. Integration of Medical Imaging in the First Year Medical Curricula. Observed Benefits of Group Learning Through Collaborative Quizzes in Human Anatomy. 26th Annual International Association of Medical Science Educators, Denver, CO, June 4-7, 2022.
Health Disparities in the Hampton Roads: A Clinical Anthropology Perspective. Society for Applied Anthropology Annual Meeting, Salt Lake City UT, March 22-26, 2022.
Gonzalez, RA; Fortney, LP; Garner, S; Musto, A; Myers, M; and Wasko, B. The Gross Anatomy Laboratory at a Cross-Roads: Ethical, Legal, and Educational Implications of Directing a Human Dissection Laboratory. 25th Annual International Association of Medical Science Educators, A Virtual Event, June 12-17, 2021.
Fortney, LP; Garner, S; Gonzalez, RA; and Musto, AE. Integration of Neuroanatomy, Neuroimaging, and Neurological Cases for Next Generation Physicians. 25th Annual International Association of Medical Science Educators, A Virtual Event, June 12-17, 2021.
Contributing to the Next Generation: The Rise of Anthropology in Medical Education. Society for Applied Anthropology Annual Meeting, Norfolk VA, March 23-27, 2021.
Clinical Medical Anthropology and the Training of the Next Generation of Physicians. 24th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Medical Science Educators, Denver Co, June 13-16, 2020.
Variation in Bone Mineral Density of the Proximal Femur: It is not Just About Age and Sex. 81st Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, Portland, Oregon, April 11-14, 2012.
Regional Variation of the Proximal Femur in the United States: Analysis of Data from NHANES III. 63rd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Chicago, IL February 21-26, 2011.
Variation in the Human Hand: Growth, Sexual Dimorphism, and Ancestry. 79th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, Albuquerque, New Mexico, April 14-17, 2010.
Gonzalez, RA. and Hammerl EE. A Biological Distance Analysis of the Dmanisi Molars. 75th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists. Anchorage, AK. March 5-12, 2006.
Variation in the Juvenile Craniofacial Form: A Pilot Study. 74th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists. Milwaukee, WI. April 6-9, 2005.
Medico-Legal Implications for Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Cases Involving Possible Child Abuse. 56th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Dallas, TX. February 16-21, 2004.
Kennewick Man Revisited: Group Affiliation and Native American Origins. 71st Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists. Buffalo, NY. April 10-14, 2002.
Gonzalez RA and McElheny LK. 2023. Examination of Human Craniofacial Remains Housed at the Eastern Virginia Medical School Human Anatomy Laboratory. Report submitted to Richard Sikon, Director, Virginia State Anatomical Program, Virginia Department of Health.
Gonzalez RA. Case XXXXXXXX: Human skeletal remains found in Vernon, CT: A forensic anthropological examination of the remains. Report submitted to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, 2015.
Gonzalez RA. Case XXXXXXXX: Human skeletal remains found in Farmington, CT in 1985: A biological profile and description of trauma. Report submitted to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, 2015.
Gonzalez RA. Case XXXXXXXX: An anthropological examination of human skeletal remains found in New London, CT. Report submitted to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, 2015.
Gonzalez RA. Human skeletal remains accidentally disinterred at St. Michaels Cemetery: An anthropological examination of the remains. Report submitted to Detective Cody Floyd, Stonington, CT Police Department and to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, 2015.
Gonzalez RA. Case XXXXXXXX: A Forensic Anthropological Analysis of Human Skeletal Remains Discovered in Vernon, CT – Amended Report to Account for Additional Skeletal Remains. Report Submitted to the Missing Persons task Force, Michelle Clark, M.S., Death Investigator, The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, and the Vernon, CT Police Department, 2014.
Gonzalez RA. Case XXXXXXXX: An Independent Forensic Anthropological Examination of the Skull. Report Submitted to the Missing Persons Task Force, Michelle Clark, M.S., Death Investigator, and to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, 2014.
Gonzalez RA. A Forensic Anthropological Examination of Human Skeletal Remains from Case XXXXXXXX and Case XXXXXXXX. Report Submitted to the Missing Persons Task Force, Michelle Cark, M.S., Death Investigator, and to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, 2014.
Gonzalez RA. Human Skeletal Remains Found in New Haven, Ct in 1979 and 1981. Forensic Anthropological Findings. Report Submitted to the Missing Persons Task Force, Michelle Clark, M.S., Death Investigator, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 2013.
Gonzalez RA. A Forensic Anthropological Investigation of a Human Cranium Discovered in New Haven in 1979: Case XXXXXXXX. Report Submitted to the Missing Persons Task Force, Michelle Clark, M.S., Death Investigator, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, 2013.
Gonzalez RA. A Forensic Anthropological Examination of a Human Mandible Discovered in New Haven in 1981: Case XXXXXXXX. Report Submitted to the Missing Persons Task Force, Michelle Clark, M.S., Death Investigator, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, 2013.
Gonzalez RA. A Forensic Anthropological Investigation of Case XXXXXXXX. Report Submitted to the Missing Persons Task Force, Michelle Clark, M.S., Death Investigator, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, 2013.
Gonzalez RA. Case XXXXXXXX: A Forensic Anthropological Analysis of Human Skeletal Remains Discovered in Vernon, CT. Report Submitted to the Missing Persons Task Force, Michelle Clark, M.S., Death Investigator, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, and the Vernon, CT Police Department, 2013.
Gonzalez RA. A Forensic Anthropological Examination of A Human Skeleton Housed at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, CT. Report Submitted to the Missing Persons Task Force, Michelle Clark M.S., Death Investigator and H. Wayne Carver, II, M.D., Chief Medical Examiner, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, 2013.
Gonzalez RA. Case XXXXXXXX: An Anthropological Analysis of a Human Skeleton Discovered in Milford, CT on August 31, 1992. Report Submitted to the Missing Persons Task Force, Michelle Clark, M.S., Death Investigator, and H. Wayne Carver, II, M.D., Chief Medical Examiner, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, 2012.
Gonzalez RA. An Anthropological Analysis of a Human Cranium of Archaeological Provenance Housed in the Department of Anthropology, St. Lawrence University. Report Submitted to the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs, St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, 2010.
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