Dr. Timothy Cuff, assistant professor of history at Westminster College will discuss "The Hidden Cost of Economic Development: The Biological Standard of Living in Antebellum Pennsylvania" at Faculty Forum Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 11:45 a.m. in the Sebastian Mueller Theater located in the McKelvey Campus Center.

 "I will describe my research on variations in human stature in early 19th century Pennsylvania, and its place in the field of historical anthropometrics, a subfield within economic history," Cuff said.  "I will also discuss extensions of that work, some supported by a grant from the Economic History Association, which will investigate the biological standard of living of Pennsylvanians in the second half of the 19th century.  I'll conclude by indicating how students have been and will be involved in carrying out these studies."

Faculty Forum, established in 1990, serves as a venue for the exchange of ideas and information among Westminster College faculty.  Speakers present their research, teaching ideas, lectures, performances, special programs, and uses of technology to keep faculty informed about the work of colleagues from many disciplines.

Cuff, who has been with Westminster College since 2000, earned his undergraduate degree from Westminster College, and his master's from Bowling Green State University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.

 Contact Cuff at (724) 946-6152 or e-mail cufft@westminster.edu for more information.