Students, faculty, and visitors gathered to celebrate World Anthropology Day with an engaging showcase of research, outreach, and hands-on activities. Hosted by the UGA Department of Anthropology, the event highlighted the diverse ways anthropologists study humanity—past and present. From Madagascar’s culture to the study of animal bones, guests explored the many subfields of anthropology. Students and faculty demonstrated how they use tree-ring dating, historic preservation, and isotope analysis to uncover environmental and cultural histories. The Laboratory of Archaeology shared student-led projects with participants, while the Anthropology Graduate Student Organization (AGSO) shared insights into graduate student engagement and community-building efforts. The Student Association for Archaeological Sciences (SAAS) presented field and lab experiences, giving attendees a glimpse into archaeological discoveries. Visitors learned about study opportunities with the Bali & Beyond program and the Sandy Creek Archaeology Field School, while the Center for Applied Isotope Studies engaged attendees with outreach comic books and student research opportunities. With interactive exhibits and engaging discussions, Anthropology Day was a celebration of curiosity, discovery, and the shared pursuit of understanding humanity. Check out our event photos for highlights from the day! Anthropology PhD Students Tuğçe Yalçın and Sarieh Amiribeirami explain how markings on animal bones—such as cut marks, weathering, and gnawing—reveal insights into ancient diets, environments, and human-animal interactions. Anthropology PhD student Seungyeon Hong and Dr. Brita Lorentzen invite participants to examine tree rings under microscopes, demonstrating how dendrochronologists use them to study past climates, natural disasters, and historical events. Students examine ancient tree samples with Dr. Brita Lotentzen's TRAWG lab. Students learn how dendrochronologists use tree ring analysis to understand past climate events and more. Dr. Danielle Riebe and students share hands-on activities to show their archaeological research at Sandy Creek. Participants won prizes for identifying artifacts! The Behavioral Ecology and Economic Decisions Lab display items of cultural significance from Madagascar and shared stories of their research there. Participants touch real animal bones and learn how they can be used to understand past human-environment interactions. PhD students Raul Basilio, Janaki Mohanachandran, and Alejandro Najera share stories and photos of their research abroad. Raul Basilio discusses his research in Brazil, exploring how history shapes infrastructure, how access to water varies across urban landscapes, and how communities adapt to environmental struggles. PhD students Janaki Mohanachandran, Seungyeon Hong, and Rui Bai represent the Anthropology Graduate Student Organization (AGSO). Anthropology students Bronwyn Matlick, Cade Peterson, and Sophie Forbes share student-led projects taking place at the Laboratory of Archeology and how to get involved. Anthropology students and faculty tell stories of their research experiences and future plans. Anthropology students and faculty interact with participants from across campus. Drs. Katherine Reinberger and Megan Conger give away comic books that illustrated examples of isotopic studies for the public. The Center for Applied Isotope Studies talk to students about isotopic analysis.
