Dinner Sevostyanov Family Enmelen 2 Sveta Igor 2015
Workers at a dig site
People wearing folk costumes
Image of Indigenous people paddling a boat
Researchers 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
Researchers 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.

Discover your start
Research

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 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø 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
    • West Valley High School gymnasium. Photo credit: West Valley High School

      Lessons That Connect

      February 28, 2025

      Connor Lehmkuhl examines culturally responsive teaching at West Valley High School, exploring how educators engage students for better learning outcomes.

    • Gold, Grit, and Game

      February 28, 2025

      Discover how miners used animals for food and trade in Alaska's Gold Rush through Amelia Jansen's zooarchaeological analysis of far north settlements.

    • People sitting at a conference table with their laptops. Image courtesy of Tara Palmer

      The Neoliberal Lexicon

      February 28, 2025

      Join Tara Palmer (51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø Anthropology) for her PhD proposal defense on how discourse shapes multilingual adult education policy in a neoliberal era.

    Anthropology News

     

  • May 19, 2024
    There was a total of nine stations at the Arctic Research Open House (AROH 2024), of which eight were indoors, meaning we lucked out with the BEST one! It was a gorgeous day and the 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø College of Liberal Arts' two activity tents were indeed full of activity! Thank you to the 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø 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:
    51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø 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 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø 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.

    51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø 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)
    Once you’ve completed 30 credits, you’ll work with one of our CLA undergraduate advisors for help with registration, petitions, major changes, and navigating college-related questions.

    CLA Undergraduate Department/Program Advising (Declared Majors/Minors)
    In addition to your CLA undergraduate comprehensive advising, once you’ve declared a major or minor, faculty advisors within your department supplement specialized guidance, helping with upper-division-level course selection within the major, internships, practicums, and capstone projects.

    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 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø Admissions.

    Please visit our advising page for more information and contact details.