Dr. Justin Pargeter publishes research on prehistoric toolmaking

In a recent publication in the journal Antiquity, Justin Pargeter (a Postdoctoral researcher with Emory University’s Anthropology Department) argues the motivations of prehistoric hunter-gatherers for selecting particular rocks for toolmaking are often explained in too rigidly functional or symbolic terms. By examining the exploitation of crystal quartz at two archaeological sites (Ntloana Tšoana and Sehonghong) in Lesotho, southern Africa, he and his co-author Jamie Hampson (University of Exeter) reveal that stone tool production required a form of engagement unique to crystal quartz’s specific properties (including possibly quartz crystal’s piezoelectric effects). The prefered use of quartz crystals—irrespective of the availability of other rocks for tool production—demonstrates agency and variability in the prehistoric technologies.

Calling all knappers – Dr. Stout studies the connection between ancient stone tool-making and the human brain

Dr. Dietrich Stout is an experimental archeologist at the department of Anthropology where he researches connections between prehistoric stone tool-making, known as knapping, and the human brain. He has set up an online experiment in collaboration with Robert Rein at the German Sport University Cologne. Participants are asked to spend 10 minutes of their time to help deepen our understanding of the relationship between the visual-spatial skills used in knapping and areas of the brain that are involved in language processing. Dr. Stout is hoping to establish whether participants can differentiate size the of stone flakes removed during knapping, and how novice knappers fare in comparison to experts.

Read more about this on eScienceCommons and Dr. Stout’s website.

Erik Ringen is awarded H. Russel Bernard Graduate Student Paper Prize

At the 2018 American Anthropological Association meeting, graduate student Erik Ringen won the Society for Anthropological Science’s ‘H. Russel Bernard Graduate Student Paper Prize’ for his paper (co-authored with Pavel Duda and Adrian Jaegi) “Daily food sharing in non-industrial societies: effects of subsistence, socioecology, and phylogeny”. Congratulations!

Photo, left to right: Erik Ringen, Stephen Chrisomalis and H. Russell Bernard

Tsering Bum publishes article on “Translating Ecological Migration Policy”

Tsering Bum, graduate student in the Department of Anthropology, publishes his article on “Translating Ecological Migration Policy”.

“This paper analyzes the transmission of China’s environmental policies from the central government down to villages and townships for implementation. It examines the specific ways through which policies are translated from Chinese to other ethnic languages, and communicated to the members of concerned communities. Employing anthropology of policy as an analytical framework, the paper suggests that policies take social life of their own as they are translated into different languages and passed down for implementation through the state bureaucratic apparatus.” Tsering Bum, Emory University

Jessica Thompson’s research is featured on Scienceseen

Scienceseen featured Dr. Thompson’s work in pictures and video, giving a fascinating view into her field work in Malawi. The full story can be found on Instagram.

Faculty Search in Anthropology – Associate / Full Professor

EMORY UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY

Associate Professor / Full Professor

The Department of Anthropology in the College of Arts and Sciences at Emory University, Atlanta GA invites applications for a full-time position in Biological Anthropology at the rank of associate or full professor, to begin August, 2019. We seek a scientifically-oriented anthropologist pursuing theoretically rigorous study in the area of Human Biology. The ideal candidate will examine variation in human biology (e.g., endocrine function, immune function, energetics, neurobiology, anatomy, genetics) either across or within human populations from an evolutionary perspective. The ideal candidate also will have an established field and lab-based research program that will provide research opportunities for both the candidate and future graduate students. Candidates must be able to interact effectively with faculty in a broadly-inclusive department with joint biological and cultural focus, hold a doctoral degree, have a strong research record, and be committed to quality teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Candidates also must be able and willing to regularly teach an introductory course in Human Biology.

Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vita, a research statement, a teaching statement, and complete contact information for three references. The Department of Anthropology, Emory College and Emory University embrace diversity and seek candidates who will participate in a climate that attracts students of all ethnicities, races, nationalities, and genders. In a separate statement, please reflect upon your experience and vision regarding the teaching and mentorship of students from diverse backgrounds.

Applications will be accepted through November 9, 2018. To apply for this position, please visit apply.interfolio.com/53927 and submit your materials free of charge through Interfolio.

Emory University is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Faculty Search in Anthropology – Assistant Professor

EMORY UNIVERSITY

Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track

Location: Georgia

Salary: Open

Type: Full Time – Entry

Required Education: Doctorate

The Department of Anthropology and the Institute for Quantitative Theory and Methods at Emory University invite applications for a joint tenure-track assistant professor position, with tenure home in Anthropology. We seek a scholar with an active anthropological research program addressing core issues in biological and/or cultural evolution, using the tools of computational biology with application to empirical datasets. Candidates must have a doctoral degree, an excellent research record, and a demonstrated commitment to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Qualified candidates will be able to teach advanced statistics courses and introductory courses in Anthropology. Ability to interact effectively with faculty in two broadly inclusive departments is important.

Applications should include a curriculum vita, a research statement, a teaching statement, and complete contact information for three references. The Department of Anthropology, Emory College and Emory University embrace diversity and seek candidates who will participate in a climate that attracts students of all ethnicities, races, nationalities, and genders. In a separate statement, please reflect upon your experience and vision regarding the teaching and mentorship of students from diverse backgrounds.

Applications will be accepted through November 9, 2018. To apply for this position, please visit apply.interfolio.com/53932 and submit your materials free of charge through Interfolio.