Journal of Undergraduate Research

Christi Embry and Dr. Ray Matheny, Anthropology Molecular biological techniques are allowing researchers to answer questions hidden within the physical archaeological record. DNA analysis of individuals excavated from multiple ancient populations has previously shed light on the origins and genetic affinities of these ancient peoples (5,6). These studies have the power to determine the structure […]

Samantha Annette Bonser and Dr. Marti L. Allen, Anthropology Rise Up from Fragments features the largest collection of Virgin Anasazi artifacts from one site. Until recently, this prehistoric group had remained in the shadow of more visible branches of the Anasazi such as Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon. Now, it is fast becoming the focus […]

Kevin Gamett and Drs. Randy Val Johnson, William Carl Olsen There are many factors that influence decisions regarding medical care, including financial, situational, and ideological issues. Families may choose to avoid modern health care facilities because of the costs associated with hospital stays, treatment regimes, transportation, and lost time. Long waiting times, disrespectful treatment from […]

Melinda Clement Hardman, Anthropology INTRODUCTION While there are many different models for how motivation works and what it is in second language acquisition, Gardner’s model dominated the research for over 30 years and continues to be the most well-known (Oxford 1996). Gardner explained motivation in second language acquisition with what he called the Socio-Educational Model […]

Cynthia Lee Killian Young and Dr. Marti L. Allen, Department of Anthropology The adventure of planning and creating a museum exhibition began September 2003. While other museums may take a year or more to install a series of exhibits, we at the Museum of Peoples and Cultures (MPC) were able to create a professional exhibition […]

Kristine Kaya Whipple and Dr. John Hawkins, Anthropology During the summer of 2005, I lived and worked among the indigenous Maya-K’iche’ of the Guatemalan highlands. Prior to leaving, I had anticipated examining kinship terms in a bilingual country and whether the use of K’iche’ terms vs. Spanish terms would indicate a difference in the type […]

Melarie Wheat and Dr. John Hawkins, Anthropology “Tojo papi, tojo amor,” Juana playfully beckoned her young grandson from across the kitchen. The child glanced over at her, but instead toddled towards the plancha, the ceramic stove, aiming directly for the fire. Once there he proceeded to play with the ash emerging from the front of […]

Jean Marie Vance and Dr. David Johnson, Anthropology The Nabataean kingdom existed as an independent entity from about 3rd century BC to 1st century AD and continued to exist through the 3rd century AD as a province of the Roman Empire. The Nabataeans flourished as traders and they were able to establish their capital city […]

Adriana Smith and Dr. John Hawkins, Anthropology I felt at home walking down the cement block street through Nahualá’s town center. It was good to be back in the small highland community in Guatemala where I had spent nearly every summer of my undergraduate career. It had been 10 years since the first group of […]

Rebekah and Dr. William Olsen, Anthropology Giving birth in Mampong, Ghana is a ritualized process of behavior involving not only the mother and her child, but also many different segments of society. Upon giving birth, a mother’s life will change considerably and her role in society will transform radically upon the safe delivery of her […]