Lauren Kirkpatrick
The Trials of the Cherokee Were Reflected In Their Skulls
NC State forensic anthropologist Ann Ross and other researchers have found that environmental stressors – from the Trail of Tears to the Civil War – led to significant changes in the shape of skulls in the eastern and western bands of the Cherokee people. The findings highlight the role of environmental factors in shaping our physical characteristics.
Where Credit is Due: How Acknowledging Expertise Can Help Conservation Efforts
Scientists know that tapping into local expertise is key to conservation efforts aimed at protecting biodiversity – but researchers rarely give credit to these local experts. Anthropologist and associate professor of international studies Nora Haenn says that’s a problem, both for the local experts and for the science itself.
Forensic Experts Compile Guide on How to ID Child Abuse, Starvation
Forensic science experts from NC State University are publishing a comprehensive overview of forensic research that can be used to identify child abuse and starvation. “By pulling all of this information together in one place, we hope we can save the lives of some children and find justice for others,” says Dr. Ann Ross, a professor of anthropology at NC State and lead author of the paper.
Murderers Who Killed During Robberies More Likely to Return to Crime When Paroled
Murderers who committed homicide during robberies are more likely to commit crimes again when they are paroled, compared to murderers who committed homicide under other circumstances, according to research from North Carolina State University and Harvard University.
Student Helps Toilet Startup
Communication and sociology double major Sarah Nilson interns with a startup whose tagline is "Help the world, one toilet at a time." Find out why she's proud to perch atop the Dungaroo.
Research Questions Longstanding Forensic ID Technique
A recent study from NC State forensic anthropologists found that even forensic experts have a hard time making a positive identification of human remains based on the shape of a person’s skull. Specifically, only 56 percent of forensic anthropology Ph.D.s […]
Working Odd Shifts Can Hurt Parent/Child Relationships
Research from NC State's Department of Sociology and Anthropology indicates that working a job that doesn’t keep 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours can hurt the relationships between parents and adolescents, increasing the likelihood that children will engage in delinquent behaviors. In some circumstances, though, an unconventional work schedule can be a benefit for children.
A Circus Life
As a CHASS student in the 1970s, Bill Allen says his professors inspired him to travel the world trying to solve ecological problems. His wanderlust eventually turned to circus love. Allen is the executive director and producer for Cirque de la Symphonie, a performance company he co-founded in 2005 that blends the European circus tradition with symphony performances.
Face-to-Face: Skull Study Shows Variation of Pre-Columbian Cultures in Mexico
NC State forensic anthropologists have discovered that there were clear differences between indigenous peoples long before Europeans or Africans arrived in what is now Mexico. Their analysis of prehistoric peoples reveals significant regional variation. Contrary to long-held beliefs, all native peoples did not look alike.
A View to the Making
As a long-time professor of sociology at NC State, Michael Schwalbe documents and interprets the social world. As a photographer, he taps into an altogether different way to share what he sees. Schwalbe’s latest project is an exhibit of photographs and text called A View to the Making: Portraits of North Carolina Craft Artists at Work.