Annual Anthropology Honors Ceremony Held
In April, 2012 the Department held its annual Honors Ceremony to celebrate the academic achievements of our majors who attained Dean's List status for the year. Our award for Outstanding Graduating Senior was shared by Kalie Hess and Morgan Brockington. They each received book awards for their excellent service, research, and academics. Each book reflected their particular interests and was signed by the Anthropology faculty. Other students honored were Top First Year student, Corey Stephens, Top Sophomores, Jennifer Morrill and Ryan Rybka, Top Juniors, Ariel Bothen and Kaidi Ilves. Each received a gift certificate to the UMaine Bookstore.
Undergraduate Research Exposition
On April 11th, 2012 six undergraduate students presented their research at the Center for Undergraduate Research (CUGR) 3rd annual Academic Showcase. Heather White won Honorable Mention for her oral presentation on Hybrid Healing; the process of integrating complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into biomedicine. Heather's research was advised by Dr. Ann Acheson. Kalie Hess presented her research on Household Chemical Exposure: The Newest Tributary. Kalie worked under the advisement of Dr. Darren Ranco.
Four undergraduates presented posters at the Showcase.
Kendra Bird was awarded the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Undergraduate Research Exhibition Award for her poster entitled Zooarchaeology and Conservation Biology in the Gulf of Alaska, under the advisement of Dr. Catherine West.
Chris Sockalexis presented his poster entitled Bone Tool Production on Frenchman Bay, under the advisement of Dr. Brian Robinson.
Erin Snape's research, advised by Dr. Kristin Sobolik was entitled Human Health at the Advent of Agriculture.
Kaitlin Anderson presented her poster entitled Swedish in Aroostook County, Maine under the advisement of Dr. Pauleena MacDougall.
Greg Zaro Earns Tenure & Promotion 2012
Congratulations to Greg Zaro for earning Tenure & Promotion to Associate Professor of Anthropology and Climate Change.
Welcome Dr. Catherine West
The Anthropology Department and Climate Change Institute welcome new faculty member, Assistant Professor Catherine West. Dr. West, an Arctic/Subarctic Archaeologist, currently conducts research in Alaska.
Professor Emeritus Alaric Faulkner, 1945-2011
We are saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Alaric Faulkner, a distinguished historical archaeologist who served 30 years on the University of Maine anthropology faculty. He died on March 18 at the age of 66.
Professor Faulkner, who retired in 2008 and was granted emeritus status in recognition of his scholarly achievements, had been ill for some time.
"Ric is the consummate, well-rounded scholar, whose contributions to the academic endeavors of the University of Maine are greatly appreciated," wrote his anthropology faculty colleague Prof. Kristin Sobolik in 2008. Citing Faulkner's "incalculable" impact on hundreds of students, along with his contributions to efforts that enhance understanding and appreciation of Maine's heritage, Sobolik referred to Faulkner as a "historical archaeologist extraordinaire."
Please see the full UMaine News story here.
Lisa Neuman Earns Tenure and Promotion 2011
Congratulations to Lisa Neuman for earning Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor of Anthropology and Native American Studies! She is shown here with Chair Kristin Sobolik at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Award Ceremony.
Jim Roscoe Awarded Research and Creative Achievement Honor
Paul "Jim" Roscoe was awarded the Presidential Outstanding Research and Creative Achievement Award for 2010. This is one of the top 4 honors bestowed on deserving faculty. Jim presented his speech at the Graduate Recognition Ceremony.
Brian Robinson Earned Tenure and Promotion in 2010
Brian Robinson earned tenure and promotion to Associate Professor of Anthropology and Climate Change this year. Congratulations Brian!!
Kristin Sobolik "Caned"
Kristin Sobolik was caned by Dan Sandweiss for her new book on Paleonutrition published by the Arizona Press. The Rexford St. John Boyington Memorial Walking Stick (the cane) is passed from faculty to faculty at the publication of a book.
Shelley Palmer Honored by Students
The Anthropology Students put on a "Shellebration" in honor of their favorite person, Shelley Palmer, this Spring. The students appreciate how much time and energy Shelley puts into making their lives easier -- she is wonderful! Attending were faculty, students, and the guest of honor.
(l-r) Heather White, Susan Appleby, Kaileigh Deacon, Heather Omand, Jamie Wren, Robyn Honaker, Amanda Prescott, Candra Glenn and Michael Kelley. not pictured: Kristine Syrjala, and Nyasha Millard
Third Annual Climate Change Science Day Held
100 high school students and adult science educators came to campus on April 16, 2010 to experience hands-on climate change research. The students spent the day visiting archaeology, earth sciences, paleoecology, ice core, remote sensing laboratories and the Hudson Museum and were instructed by faculty and graduate students. Human and animal bones, archaeological artifacts, ice cores, chironomids, pollen, and glacial rocks were out for analysis. This year students from Mt. Desert, Belfast, Limestone, Stetson, Millinockett and Gouldsboro, were participants.
Prof. Brian Robinson instructs students in the Archaeology Lab
Prof. Kristin Sobolik speaks with students about human bones
Jim Acheson Awarded Distinguished Maine Professor Honor
Our own Jim Acheson was awarded the most prestigious UMaine honor at the Honors Convocation this year - that of Distinguished Maine Professor! The DMP is awarded by the Alumni Association in honor of excellence in teaching, research, and service. These areas of Jim's life have been intertwined during his many years of service to the university, our students, and the state of Maine. Jim's environmental policy research on the lobstering industry in Maine is lauded as one of the most successful environmental policy initiatives nationwide, and for which he was honored with an Official Expression of Recognition from the 121st State of Maine Legislature. Maine's students have greatly benefited from Jim's expertise and skill in the classroom and willingness to train future policy makers in the field. Maine has gained an environmental policy expert whose ideas and abilities have provided the crucial link between the cultural human dimension to environmental understanding. Congratulations to Jim!!!
