In 2014, DevaultI completed my Ph.D. in Anthropology with Dr. Hendrik Poinar's McMaster Ancient DNA Centre. I am now employed by a biotechnology company that manufactures custom DNA products used in cutting-edge genetics research, such as ecology, evolutionary biology, and disease. I assist researchers from a wide variety of fields (including ancient DNA) to design & execute custom target enrichment experiments for high-throughput DNA sequencing. My doctoral research employing these techniques on highly degraded specimens provided me with knowledge to facilitate successful next-generation DNA sequencing from any type of sample, whether contemporary or ancient. I pursued graduate research in genetics through the Department of Anthropology in order to combine the strengths and challenges of my two undergraduate fields, Biology and Archaeology. Due to the excellent researchers and facilities at McMaster University, I collaborated on a variety of unique research projects during my Ph.D., which provided invaluable experience for my current and future pursuits.