Maia Casna, PhD

Research

My research interests within paleopathology can be summarized as:

  • The study of respiratory disease in the past
  • The archaeology of intoxicants
  • The impact of socioeconomic processes such as urbanization and industrialization on human health
  • The (morbid) anatomy of the middle ear
  • Social inequalities in the past and their influence on human wellbeing

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My current research projects

Respiratory disease in the Netherlands

My doctoral project investigates the respiratory health of various medieval and post-medieval populations throughout the Netherlands. Specifically, I am researching how urbanization and proto-industrialization impacted the respiratory wellbeing of past Dutch communities. Find out more about my PhD research.

Anatomy and disease of the middle ear

I am working with the Otolaryngology and the Radiology Departments at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) on a project investigating the anatomy and paleopathology of the middle ear structures.

Childhood and disease in ancient Italy

Since 2024, I am working with UniSalento (Apulia, Italy) on a project exploring the health and disease experiences of children before the 5th century CE.

Prehistoric burials in the Jordanian desert

Since 2023, I’ve been contributing to the Jebel Qurma Archaeological Landscape Project, focused on uncovering the rich archaeological heritage of Jordan’s Black Desert. My role involves the analysis of excavated human remains and gathering samples for advanced biomolecular examinations, including isotopic and ancient DNA (aDNA) analyses.

The history of childhood tobacco smoke

I am involved in a pioneering project centered on historical childhood tobacco smoke through archaeological exploration. Since [year of initiation], I have dedicated my efforts to unraveling the mysteries surrounding this significant aspect of our historical health practices.

The impact of sugar on human health

She plans, designs, and oversees the construction of buildings. To practice, architecture means to provide services in connection with the creation of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings that have human occupancy or use as their purpose.