U of A Anthropology Department Hosts Open House Feb. 15 for Public Exploration

Ever wonder what anthropologists work on behind closed doors?

Now's the chance to explore because the Department of Anthropology at the University of Arkansas' J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is hosting its third annual Anthropology Open House from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, on the first floor of Old Main.

Get the inside scoop on everything the profession entails — from forensic methods for uncovering ancient Egypt, to understanding how living cultures vary, to the ways dental patterns and wear can unlock the secrets of humanity's evolution and more.

"We're very excited to share our passion for anthropology with the community," said Justin Nolan, the department's chair and associate professor who specializes in ethnobiology, medical anthropology, cultural conservation and region-specific folkways and traditions.

"The lab doors will all be open," he said. "And everyone is welcome to tour the labs, see artifacts and fossils up close, learn how research in the discipline is conducted and talk to our resident experts in archeology, biological anthropology and cultural anthropology."

Nolan said the event also recognizes and celebrates the American Anthropological Association's World Anthropology Day.

Claire Terhune, an assistant professor whose research focuses on understanding the evolution and function of primate, modern human and fossil hominin skull shape, helped organize and create the event which was first held two years ago.

"It was a great success, and we've been looking forward to hosting more," she said. "The entire community is invited to join in, participate in activities and explore the research conducted by our department's faculty and students."

Terhune said poster and table displays will showcase special projects and community engagement, and there will be games and snacks to round out the free experience.

For more information, visit the Department of Anthropology website.

About the Department of Anthropology: The Department of Anthropology examines similarities and differences among people, lifestyles and world views through time by the study of artifacts and material remains, the evolution of humankind and other primates and issues such as ethnicity, gender, class, social inequity and religion. Courses help students explore many approaches to the various subfields.