Research
Health
Anthropology of Health focuses on the anthropological study of the biological, sociocultural, environmental, political economic and behavioral factors that contribute to health and disease, as well as medical practices and disparities in the provision of health and human services.
Heritage
Anthropology of Heritage focuses on the management of heritage and cultural resources and the identification and study of both material and intangible cultural resources as they relate to our ability to understand the relationships between the past and the present.
Environment
Anthropology of Environment focuses on the anthropological assessment of environmental issues, the management of natural resources and the study of biological, cultural and behavioral factors as they impinge upon our understanding of the environment and our ability to respond to environmentally based opportunities, problems, and crises.
Genetics & Evolution
Genetic and Evolutionary Anthropology focuses on the use of DNA analyses and molecular tools for the study of humans, and humans' role in nature. The methods are biological primarily, but the research questions most often focus on what makes us human, human diversity, human evolution, species co-evolution, adaptation, and migration.
Laboratories
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.