A native of Victorville, California, Annabella’s academic journey began with distinction. She graduated as Valedictorian from Riverside Preparatory High School with a 4.49 GPA, multiple academic honors, and perfect attendance. She continued her education at Victor Valley Community College, earning an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts with a 4.0 GPA and graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Annabella later obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from California State University, San Bernardino, with a GPA of 3.95. As a first-generation college student, she was recognized as the Outstanding Undergraduate Student in the anthropology department. Her academic experience was enriched by her involvement in the CSUSB Discovery Mentorship Program, which shaped her research interests and led her to earn 1st place at the CSU Student Research Competition. Her undergraduate Honors thesis has been presented at multiple academic conferences, showcasing her commitment to scholarly inquiry.

Beyond her academic achievements, Annabella has demonstrated strong leadership and community engagement. As President of the Anthropology Club, she led efforts in community restoration projects, including work at Vallecito County Park and the historic Agua Mansa cemetery. Her volunteer work reflects a deep commitment to preserving cultural heritage and supporting her local community.

International fieldwork has also played a key role in her development. Annabella participated in the Slavia Mortuary Archaeology Field School in Poland, gaining valuable hands-on experience in forensic methods alongside professionals in the field. In the summer of 2025, she will further her training by attending the Juvenile Osteology Research Laboratory Workshop in Romania.

Her passion for forensic anthropology lies at the intersection of culture, biology, and justice. Through the study of human remains, Annabella seeks to uncover individual identities and bring closure to families affected by loss. She aims to contribute to judicial investigations and humanitarian efforts through her expertise in skeletal analysis.

Upon completing her Master of Science in Anatomy and Forensic Osteology, Annabella plans to return to the U.S. to work with the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office. She will pursue certification through the American Board of Forensic Anthropology and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Building on the connections made during her Rotary Scholarship, she then intends to pursue a PhD in the UK, collaborating with government agencies to improve systems for identifying victims of disasters and cataloging unidentified remains.

As a Rotary Scholar, Annabella is committed to engaging deeply with her host community, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and sharing knowledge through collaborative research and outreach. Her dedication, academic excellence, and passion for humanitarian work make her a promising leader in the field of forensic anthropology.