Dr. Joshua M. Polanski earned his PhD in Biological Anthropology from the University of Iowa, with his dissertation on morphological integration in the human (Homo sapiens) and chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) cranium during ontogeny. Additionally, he helped describe one of the oldest H. erectus specimens found in Java and worked on the timing of the dispersal of H. sapiens into Asia.

Following graduation, Dr. Polanski worked in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Arkansas, where he taught Introduction to Biological Anthropology. He then moved to the School of Dental Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he taught anatomy (to dental students and orthodontic and pediatric residents), neuroanatomy, and the biochemical basis of human nutrition, along with various lectures in other subjects. At ÎÞÂëȺ½», his is the co-course director for the Musculoskeletal Block and the M2 Advanced Regional Dissection Elective. He also teaches in Neurobehavioral Health, the Cardio-Pulmonary-Renal Block, and pretty much any course that involves gross anatomy, especially Clinical Anatomy.

His entire eclectic academic career can be viewed via the collection of baseball caps in his office.

Publications

• Frayna C, Devantier C, Harris B, Kingsley K, and Polanski JM. (2021). Education Regarding and Adherence to Recommended Nutrition Guidelines among Dental Students. Dent J (Basel).;9(8):93. doi: 10.3390/dj9080093.
• Yoo, A.R., Son, P.H., Kingsley, K. and Polanski, J.M. (2021).  Dietary Habits And 
  Anthropometric Measures of a Dental Student Population.  European Journal of Nutrition and Food Safety.  doi: 10.9734/EJNFS/2021/v13i230379
• Vial, M, Rizzuto, N, Kingsley, K, and Polanski, J.M.  (2016).  Clinical significance and utility of neck circumference measurement in the dental clinic setting.  Journal of Medical Discovery. 
• Polanski, J.M, Marsh, H.E., Maddux, S.D. (2015). Dental size reduction in Indonesian Homo erectus: Implications for the PU-198 premolar and the appearance of Homo sapiens on Java. Journal of Human Evolution.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhevol.2015.09.008
• Zaim, Y., Ciochon, R.L., Polanski, J.M., Grine, F.E., Bettis III, A., Rizal, Y., Franciscus, R, Larick, R.R., Heizler, M., Eaves, K.L., Marsh, H.E. (2011). New Homo erectus maxilla from the base of the Bapang Formation (Central Java, Indonesia): Hominins arrive prior to 1.5 Ma in the Sangiran Dome.  Journal of Human Evolution.  61:363-376.
• Polanski, JM. (2011). Integration during ontogeny in the modern human mandible. International Journal of Evolutionary Biology.
• Polanski, J.M. 2009. Morphological integration of the cranium during ontogeny in Homo Sapiens and Pan troglodytes. Anthropology. University of Iowa, Iowa City.
• Polanski, J.M. and Franciscus, R.G. 2006. Patterns of craniofacial integration in extant Homo, Pan, and Gorilla. American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 131: 38-49.

Continuing Education Modules

Continuing Education Modules 

• Giving Feedback
• Teaching on the Go
• Stress, Burnout and Resilience in the Work Place
• Effective Questioning
• Facilitating Small Groups