Anthropology is the comparative, evolutionary and historical study of humankind. Our department takes a theoretically-driven, empirically-informed approach to this study, and has special expertise in archaeology, genetics, behavioral ecology, demography, hunter-gatherers, and evolutionary approaches to human behavior. Our regional expertise is strongest in Africa, Australia, New Guinea, Latin America and western North America. We have a small but influential faculty, three of whom (Harpending, Hawkes, O'Connell) are members of the National Academy of Sciences. Many faculty members do research that crosses disciplinary and sub-disciplinary lines, and we encourage students to do the same.

News

Faculty and students were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Karen Ramey Burns, adjunct professor of Anthropology, on January 7, 2012. Dr. Burns' students have submitted a brief tribute to Dr. Burns' life, career, and contributions to forensic anthropology. Her professionalism, collegiality, and mentorship is deeply missed.