Raiza Erlenbaugh
Raiza Patricia Erlenbaugh Soriano de Chaviano, is a Panamanian scientist, anthropologist, model and former beauty queen. She was crowned Miss Panama World 2014 on April 8, 2014 to represent Panama in the Miss World 2014 pageant. She also participated in the Miss Continentes Unidos 2014 pageant in Ecuador, where she stood out by showcasing Panama's rich cultural heritage and took second place in the National Costume Gala. However, on November 12, 2014, she was removed from her title as Miss Panama World 2014 by the Miss Panama Organization. In 2022, she married architect Arian Chaviano.
Academic and professional career
After her career in beauty pageants, Erlenbaugh turned to anthropology, becoming a licensed anthropologist specializing in the study of Panama's pre-Hispanic past. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology from the University of Panama, being a member of the . Her experience and dedication led her to serve as a research technician and curator of archaeological collections at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, where she has made significant contributions to archaeological research and public outreach.Published work
In 2024, Erlenbaugh published his first book, Catalog of Pre-Hispanic Ceramics, Cerro Juan Díaz, Panama. This comprehensive educational tool provides invaluable archaeological data to both researchers and the general public, offering new perspectives on the pre-Hispanic history and culture of Panama.Awards and recognition
In November 2024, Erlenbaugh was awarded the prestigious for Outstanding Contribution to Science by STRI. This recognition highlighted her innovative research on pre-Hispanic ceramics and her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. Her work has been recognized for providing novel perspectives on the Gran Coclé culture, including its social and cultural development for centuries before European contact.Her contributions have been published in prominent STRI media outlets such as Ceramic Puzzles. She also regularly participates in workshops and educational programs on artifact reconstruction techniques and methods for interpreting the past.
In the Miss Panama 2014 pageant, Erlenbaugh not only won the title of Miss Panama World, but also the Miss Photogenic award, standing out for her elegance and stage presence.