Anthropology

Anthropology has a strong commitment to preserving and transmitting the knowledge of the past, illuminating the challenges of the present, and contributing to their solutions and shaping the future.

We are known for our strong theoretical orientation and are nationally recognized for having an excellent program in applied anthropology. Our department is prepared to further collaborations within the University, locally, and globally.

The Anthropology department has eight labs in Woods Hall.  Lab sections for Introduction to Ecological & Evolutionary Anthropology and other courses are held in the Anthropology Teaching Lab. Three archaeology labs that contain materials collected from field schools and research projects of the past several years, serve both teaching and research purposes. The Evolutionary Anthropology and Genetics and the Archaeogenetics laboratories use cutting-edge equipment and molecular methods for the study of human evolution, ancestry, and global migrations through DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing from modern and ancient sources. The Qualitative Research Lab provides dedicated space and technology for conducting in-person/virtual/hybrid group data collection activities (such as community meetings and focus groups) as well as one-on-one interviews with research participants in a private setting. The Quantitative Lab is a space for collaborative analysis of quantitative, spatial, and other forms of digital data. The Lab includes workstations, instructional space, and secure cabinets for storing and sharing field equipment.