Monday, August 5, 2013

Fiji NSF REU 2013!


Dr. Jones returned to Fiji for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates fieldschool with a new group of students earlier this summer. Students, Catrina Callahan, Lauren Bridgeman, Kelly Ledford, Shelby Mullins, Kaitlyn Reed, Alea Rouse, Yoonhee Ryder, Phil Pearson, and Jerred Schafer learned and applied archaeological skills in during this six week field school.


Dr. Jones along with field assistant Christel Carlisle, instructed students in archaeological methodology allowing them first hand experience in archaeological research.




Through this experience the students were allowed first hand knowledge of the many facets of field work. They were taught archaeological techniques such as, excavation, surveying, mapping in the field.There were also lessons in professional ethics in archaeology. Following the close of the excavation site, students learned about artifact maintenance at the Fiji Museum and in the laboratory.
                                                                                                                                                       

                                       
                             Alea Rouse digging.


   

 Jerred Schafer screening.
                           
                                                                  











Kelly Ledford mapping.




A major feature of the field school was that the students had to live and work together in a rustic environment.


At the end of the field school all of the students had experienced the many aspects of archaeological field work and returned to the U.S. to apply the lab skills to cataloging the Fijian artifacts. For more information about the Fiji NSF REU Fieldschool contact Sharyn Jones.

Friday, April 5, 2013

UAB Attends the SAS

This past March, members of the UAB Department of Anthropology travelled to Johnson City, Tennessee, attended the Southern Anthropological Society (SAS) annual conference.

The department was well represented with six graduate students presenting papers, including Brian Nichols, Sherrie Alexander, Ashley Wilson, Christel Carlisle, Brandon Grisaffi, and Daniel Lowery. Dr. Sharyn Jones (Chair) and Mallory Messersmith (Adjunct Instructor) also presented. Undergraduate Miriam Hood attended the conference as well. Miriam is a math major, but working on her minor in anthropology.

From left to right: Jonathan Daniel Lowery, Miriam Hood, Christel Carlisle, Brandon Grisaffi, Mallery Messersmith, Sherrie Alexander, Brian Nichols, and Ashley Wilson.

The topics presented were broad and ranged from biological to cultural anthropology, and certainly reflected the diversity of interests within our department, not to mention the field of anthropology!
  • Dr. Sharyn Jones: “Feasting and Ritual in Fiji.”
  • Christel Carlisle: “Archaeology after the field: Assessment of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collection.”
  • Brian Nichols: “The Potential for Functional Analysis of the Josselyn and Analogous Collections.”
  • Ashley Wilson: “Afflictions of Tradition: Perspectives on traditional African American foodways in relation to health problems in contemporary African American communities."
  • Sherrie Alexander: “Ethnoprimatology of the Barbary Macaque: Cultural Perceptions of Endangered Macaca sylvanus in the Rif Mountains of Morocco."
  • Jonathan Daniel Lowrey: “Priests and Players: A Cross-Cultural Survey of Astragalus Dice Utilization."
  • Brandon Grisaffi: “Experimental Production of Nothing: Understanding the Lack of Bone Modifications in the Archaeological Record.”
  • Mallory Messersmith: "Beyond Idealism: Teaching Anthropological Peace Studies."
The following students were awarded ANTHRO-TEACH scholarships to cover the costs of travel and attendance: Brian Nichols, Sherrie Alexander, Ashley Wilson, Christel Carlisle, Brandon Grisaffi, and Daniel Lowery.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

March 26, 7 PM 

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The House I Live In

The UAB Department of Anthropology and the Jemison Visiting Professorship in the Humanities invite you to attend a screening and presentation of The House I Live In by director Eugene Jarecki.

Screenshot from The House I Live In

Directed by Eugene Jarecki, this film is a sobering look at America's war on drugs and its effects on our culture. It examines America's longest war as it is driven by political and economic corruption, and affects our country's minority and poorer populations.

Follow the LINK to read award winning filmmaker Eugene Jarecki's bio.

Location: The Hulsey Recital Hall @ 950 13th Street S Birmingham, AL 35233.
Time: 7:00 pm  THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Friday, January 4, 2013

Michael Franti

JANUARY 24, 2013 - FREE EVENT: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Presented and Sponsored the the UAB Anthropology Department and the Jemison Visiting Professorship in the Humanities-

Join us at 7:30 PM at the Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall for a performance and lecture by MICHAEL FRANTI.