Dinner Sevostyanov Family Enmelen 2 Sveta Igor 2015
Workers at a dig site
People wearing folk costumes
Image of Indigenous people paddling a boat
Â鶹¹ÙÍøers on a boat near a river beach
Denisova OR7D4 protein model
Dinner Sevostyanov Family Enmelen 2 Sveta Igor 2015
Workers at a dig site
People wearing folk costumes
Image of Indigenous people paddling a boat
Â鶹¹ÙÍøers on a boat near a river beach
Denisova OR7D4 protein model

Team up with faculty on groundbreaking anthropological research.

The Department of Anthropology was founded in 1935 as part of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alaska. The first undergraduate degrees in Anthropology were given in 1959, the first MA degrees in 1968 and the first PhD degrees in 1988. We are the only anthropology program in the United States that maintains a holistic approach to circumpolar studies, providing instruction and research in all aspects of anthropology.

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We have a traditional focus on the circumpolar North. In addition to maintaining this historic strength, several themes have emerged as centers of synergy across multiple subfields: human animal relations; aesthetics and expressive culture; ethnographic methods, ethics and research design. 

Graduate program

The graduate program offers students the opportunity to concentrate study in one of the four sub-fields, to gain research experience and training in the field and in the laboratory, and emphasizes empirical and applied studies.

Hands on learning

Field schools provide students with instruction and hands-on experience in methods of field research. The department maintains a strong orientation to fieldwork and UAF Anthropology faculty and students are involved in many field-based research programs.

 

Anthropology Events

  • Nov15

      Zoom
      3:00 p.m.
    The Department of Anthropology welcomes Dr. Brent Vickers on November 15, 2024 for a guest lecture on how he balances federal regulations with the needs of rural Alaskan communities for subsistence hunting and fishing. Part of the Anthropology Colloquium Series.
    • Anthropology News
    News
    • Graduate student Nora McIntyre presents her 3-Minute Thesis; Universe Babay, A Cosmic Tragedy on Friday, November 3, 2023 in the Schaible Auditorium. Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) celebrates the exciting research and scholarship conducted by graduate students around the world. Developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), the competition allows students to share their work with a broad audience. 3MT promotes students’ academic and professional communication skills. UAF Photo by Marina Santos

      Three Minutes, One Big Idea

      January 14, 2025

      Showcasing grad research in 3 minutes! Compete for cash prizes and sharpen communication skills at UAF's Three-Minute Thesis competition.

    • Political strategist Donna Brazile and political commentator and journalist Kurt Bardella on the stage during the 2024 Rancho Mirage Writers Festival. Photo credit: Jennifer Yount Photography.

      Where Writers Meet: Rancho Mirage Writers Festival

      December 15, 2024

      Four CLA representatives are heading to the sold-out Rancho Mirage Writers Festival, thanks to a generous donor. A transformative experience awaits!

    • Pictured left to right: Eliska Albrigtsen (head ski coach), Maddie Schuh, Ben Buck (assistant ski coach), Conrad Haber (head xc coach), Rosie Fordham (top 10 finisher), Hazel Probst, Delainey Zock, Tabitha Williams, Teegan Silva, Lucca Duke, Kendall Kramer (runner up, 2nd place), Kate Brigham. The team placed 13th in the Nation for DII out of 34 teams.

      Student Spotlight: Hazel Probst

      December 03, 2024

      Hazel Probst, anthropology major and NCAA athlete, balances academics and sport, showcasing the diversity and grit of UAF's College of Liberal Arts.

    Anthropology News

     

  • May 19, 2024
    There was a total of nine stations at the Arctic Â鶹¹ÙÍø Open House (AROH 2024), of which eight were indoors, meaning we lucked out with the BEST one! It was a gorgeous day and the UAF College of Liberal Arts' two activity tents were indeed full of activity! Thank you to the UAF archaeologists Ben Potter and Josh Reuther, friends of PoEM (Pop-up Ethnomycology Museum) Andrew Forbes, Sveta Yamin-Pasternak, Igor Pasternak, artist and creator of the Boreal Gamelan Kellie Lynch, and, most importantly, to ALL THE VISITORS who kept our AROH crew so happily busy throughout the event with all your great questions and participation. Thank you! Happy Summer!

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    Department of Anthropology Contact Information

    Department of Anthropology

    Admin: Jamie Bennett (Haman)
    Email:     uaf-anthropology@alaska.edu
    Phone: 907-474-7009

    Physical address:
    1790 Tanana Loop
    Bunnell Building, Room 405A
    Fairbanks, AK 99775 

    Mailing address:
    UAF Department of Anthropology
    PO Box 757720
    Fairbanks, AK 99775

    Meet our Faculty and Staff

     

    Department Chair

    Elaine Drew, PhD 
    Associate Professor of Anthropology

    Office: Bunnell Building, Room 407
    Phone: 907-474-1988
    Email: emdrew@alaska.edu





    Email Dr. Elaine Drew
    Graduate Coordinator

    Sveta Yamin-Pasternak, PhD
    Assistant Professor of Anthropology

    Office: Bunnell Building, Room 305B
    Phone: 907-474-6188
    Email: syamin@alaska.edu

    Please contact Dr. Sveta Yamin-Pasternak, the UAF Anthropology Graduate Program Coordinator with all queries about our MA and PhD studies.

    Email Dr. Sveta Yamin-Pasternak
    CLA Academic Advising

    At times, navigating your way through college can be tricky. Throughout your academic journey, you’ll need guidance from different advisors to stay on the path to success. Visit our advising page to ensure you're reaching out to the right advisor at each stage of your journey. Here is a brief outline of some of the different types of advising available to you.

    UAF Academic Advising Center (First-Year Students: 0–30 credits)
    Designed for first-year students, this service helps you lay a strong academic foundation, equipping you with the resources and guidance needed to succeed in your degree program.

    CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advising (Students with 30+ credits)
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    CLA Graduate Advising
    Graduate students do not meet with CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advisors. Graduate students will appoint an advisory committee. The graduate advisory committee guides the student in developing and completing their degree program. CLA has designated department graduate coordinators who will guide you through this process. 

    Non-Degree Seeking Students
    Advising is also available for students who are not pursuing a degree but just want to take a class and want help with course selection and academic planning. This happens through UAF Admissions.

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