Dr. Richard Steckel, Department of Economics
Rank at the time of award: Professor
Abstract
We have tried several times, but unsuccessfully for NIH funding under the R01 format. Several people have told us that a P01 framework, in which the review panel is chosen specifically for the application, is more likely to be successful. NIA has invited such an application, although the specific budget request ($2.5m versus $3.4 mover 5 years) has yet to be approved. We would submit the application though OSU, and the organization would be similar to that of earlier applications: most of the budget would be devoted to collecting data from skeletal remains on 65,000 individuals (or 1,000,000 depending upon the budget), plus funds for gathering contextual data, administration and for 6 subprojects. Specifically we envision:
l. Early childhood stress and adult survival (Barker Hypothesis). Led by Richard Steckel, this project will measure the impact of childhood physiological stress on adult survival.
2. Human adaptation to environmental change. Led by Kimberly Williams, a medical anthropologist who is an expert in Geographic Information systems from Temple University, this project will assess environmental influences on health.
3. Degenerative conditions: dental disease and osteoarthritis. Led by Clark Spencer Larsen of the Anthropology Department at Ohio State University, this project will measure the impact of physical activity and diet on the development of degenerative joint disease and the course of oral health over the life course.
4. Ecological context of disease: TB, leprosy, rickets, trepanematosis, and scurvy. This will be led by medical anthropologist Charlotte Roberts from the University of Durham.
5. Precursors of violence and trauma. Led by Richard Steckel this project will measure the impact of socioeconomic and environmental conditions on accidental (wrist and ankle fractures) and deliberate (fractures and weapon wounds to the skull) trauma of men and women.
6. Inequality and health. Led by Michael Haines, an economist and demographer at Colgate University, this project will measure the impact of socioeconomic distance on health of paupers, peasants, the clergy, and the nobility.