anthropology
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Forged in the Fires of My Liberal Arts Classes: Dean’s Distinguished Graduates Q&As
Every spring, the College of Liberal Arts recognizes 12 outstanding seniors as Dean’s Distinguished Graduates; students who have dedicated themselves to scholarship, leadership and service to the college and university community. Each 2018 recipient will be honored at the College of Liberal Arts joint commencement ceremony on May 18. The award, established in 1980, is…
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Under the Microscope: Undergraduate Research Week 2016
The fields of study within the College of Liberal Arts are vast, and the number of topics that merit in-depth investigation are seemingly endless. Each year, liberal arts undergraduates at UT Austin get first-hand experience in conducting academic research that can have an impact on themselves, the academic community and even society as a whole.…
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Extinct Ancient Ape Did Not Walk Like a Human, Study Shows
For decades, the movement of an ancient ape species called Oreopithecus bambolii has been a matter of debate for scientists. Did it walk like a human across its swampy Mediterranean island or did it move through the trees like other apes? According to a new study, led by University of Texas at Austin anthropologists Gabrielle…
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Ancient DNA Opens Aztec Cold Case
For centuries, the fate of the original Otomí inhabitants of Xaltocan, the capital of a pre-Aztec Mexican city-state, has remained unknown. Researchers have long wondered whether they assimilated with the Aztecs or abandoned the town altogether. According to new anthropological research from The University of Texas at Austin, Wichita State University and Washington State University,…
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Research Briefs: Spring 2010
The Not so Missing Link Scientists have discovered the key to understanding human evolution,” booms a typical movie-trailer voice in a History Channel documentary. “The chain is no longer missing a link.” Unfortunately, the scientists behind this documentary ignored 20 years of research, according to University of Texas anthropologist Chris Kirk. Last year, an article…
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After the Dust Settles
Liberal Arts professors and students explore the next steps for Haiti The images of mass devastation, suffering, loss and chaos will forever remain with Suzanne Edwards after her trip to Haiti. On Jan. 12, less than an hour before the 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated the nation, Edwards, a University of Texas at Austin senior majoring…
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Retiring Faculty
James Brow, Anthropology Brow, professor of anthropology and Asian Studies, taught at the university for 30 years and served as chair of the Department of Anthropology from 1995 to 2005. His research focused on social and economic development in South Asia and Sri Lanka. Brow also served as acting director of the South Asia Institute from…
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In Memoriam: Spring 2010
Shearer Davis Bowman, professor emeritus of history, died Dec. 4 at age 60. In 1986 Bowman began his career at The University of Texas at Austin, where he taught American history for 15 years. He wrote “Masters and Lords” and “At the Precipice,” which will be published this spring, as well as numerous articles and reviews.…
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News & Notes: Fall 2009
Debate and Individual Event alumni looking to reconnect The university’s debate and individual events (IE) teams have an illustrious history on campus. Both groups have won numerous championships and both feature outstanding alumni. Still, there has not been an alumni association for these successful teams… until now. Are you a former debate team member? Did…
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Cultural Memories of Rome
Professor uses prize money to explore ancient civilization Staring down the challenge of a research project that spans 12 centuries of Roman civilization, Karl Galinsky’s expression is that of a confident gladiator. And who better to lead the charge than Galinsky, who admits he’s “not afraid to rattle some cages and have some fun” while…
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Barbecue State of Mind
Stories of Texas barbecue with heaping servings of places, people and tall tales In Texas, barbecue is serious business. Be it ribs, brisket, sausage or something more exotic, barbecue to Texans is not just food — it’s a frame of mind. So what is it about barbecue that Texans hold so near and dear to…
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Research Briefs: Fall 2008
Why Pregnant Women Waddle The human spine evolved differently in males and females in order to alleviate back pressure from the weight of carrying a baby, according to anthropologist Liza Shapiro whose findings were first documented in Nature. The researcher believes the adaptation first appeared at least two million years ago, in the early human…
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The Aging of America
Sociologists examine population’s challenges In 2011, the first Baby Boomers will reach age 65, and the population aged 65 and older will grow rapidly during the next two decades. How the country responds to this new demographic reality will shape the fabric of American life and culture for years to come, says Robert Hummer, chair…
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The Language of Love
From diaries to online chats, writing about your romantic relationship may help it last Millions of lovelorn people turn to selfhelp books, searching for the magic words that might save a relationship. But their own writing may provide the key to everlasting love, according to researchers at The University of Texas at Austin. In a…
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Science of the Senses
Psychologists examine how our perceptual systems make sense of the world Your alarm rouses you, and you open your eyes to shadows stretching across the ceiling. The coffee pot gurgles in the kitchen, birds chirp outside the window, and the dog runs circles around your feet. You open the cabinet and scan for your favorite…
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The Real Indiana Jones
Anthropologist separates fact from fiction From the moment Indiana Jones performed his first death-defying stunt on the big screen in 1981, moviegoers and archaeologists alike have been enthralled by the globetrotting, whip-cracking action hero. From recovering ancient biblical artifacts to rescuing damsels-in-distress, the fictional archaeologist stops at nothing to save the world from political…
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Deep Roots?
New DNA tests may reveal your ancestry, but researchers urge caution when interpreting results From 1892 to 1954, More than 12 million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island in New York Harbor. They left behind a huge repository of records that for many years has been the first stop for Americans researching their…
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Tuberculosis: Anthropologist Discovers Oldest Case
500,000-year-old fossil points to modern health concerns As Turkish workers cut into a block of travertine stone destined for the international tile market, they uncovered a 500,000-year-old fossil, which anthropologist John Kappelman is using to expand scientists’ understanding of tuberculosis–and how the infectious disease may affect people who migrate. “Tuberculosis has re-emerged as a global…
