University of Kansas - Anthropology

It's nice to be recognized as the unofficial mascot of the KU Anthropology Department! ROCK CHALK!!! xxoo ~Bella 🐶 😍

Wonderful representation by KU's Anthropology undergraduates! 😍

Spring 2026 Anthropology course offerings. See what's being offered. 😁

Neanderthals could be brought back within 20 years — but is it a good idea?

"That is one of the most unethical things I can possibly think of to attempt — full stop," Jennifer Raff, a biological anthropologist at the University of Kansas, told Live Science of the idea of bringing them back.

To read the full article in Live Science, click link below:

Neanderthals could be brought back within 20 years — but is it a good idea? With today's technology, we cannot bring back Neanderthals. But even if future advances allow it, should we?

Come support one of graduate students, Margarita Rivera Arrivillaga, who will be presenting “Exploring Multi-Sectoral Responses to Forced Internal Displacement and Health in Latin America (Mexico and Guatemala)” in two weeks on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 at 12 PM in Bailey Hall, room 318.

Science on Tap: Lauren Norman
7:30 p.m. Oct. 22
The KU assistant professor of anthropology will talk about the lifeways of the ancestral Inupiat people of Alaska

Join us at Free State Brewing Company for Science on Tap with Dr. Lauren Norman, Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Kansas.

In this talk, The Original Bone Broth: Reconstructing Ancestral Iñupiaq Interactions from Animal Remains, Dr. Norman will examine the lifeways of the ancestral Inupiat people of Alaska. Using the garbage left behind, Dr Norman is able to reconstruct the harvest and use of abundant animal resources of the coast in northwest Alaska around 1000 years ago. Starting from an examination of animal bones, this talk will explore the variety of ways different groups acquired resources and engaged in social interactions.

What interesting stuff did you do this summer? Amalie Hipp was busy conducting research! Keep up the GREAT work Amalie!!!

This spring during the University Research Awards ceremony, Chancellor Doug Girod celebrated some of KU's most outstanding researchers and their impact.

Jennifer Raff, associate professor of anthropology, received a University Scholarly Achievement Award. In the video below, Dr. Raff talks about her research on ancient DNA and her work with indigenous communities to use DNA to better understand their histories.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPAdj_8gsO0

The University of Kansas has awarded 13 students with honors that recognize community engagement, leadership and academics. The University Awards, among the most prestigious awards presented at KU, were established to recognize students who embody service excellence, dedication or whose academic achievements are stellar.

The Alexis F. Dillard Student Involvement Award

This award goes to two graduating students who have unselfishly contributed to the university through campus involvement. It was established in 1993 by Dillard’s family and friends to remember and honor him.

Aarthi Aruna is a senior in behavioral neuroscience with minors in Spanish and anthropology from Overland Park.

“KU has given me so much. Not only have I been introduced to (campus organizations), but I have met fantastic friends and mentors who have helped me along the way and shaped the person I am,” Aruna said. “The community I met at KU made me realize that this is where I want to be forever. I want to attend the KU School of Medicine, volunteer in every stage of my life, and give back to the University of Kansas in any way I can.”