Department of Anthropology at ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ

Team up with faculty on groundbreaking anthropological research.

The Department of Anthropology was founded in 1935 as part of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alaska. The first undergraduate degrees in Anthropology were given in 1959, the first MA degrees in 1968 and the first PhD degrees in 1988. We are the only anthropology program in the United States that maintains a holistic approach to circumpolar studies, providing instruction and research in all aspects of anthropology.

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Research

We have a traditional focus on the circumpolar North. In addition to maintaining this historic strength, several themes have emerged as centers of synergy across multiple subfields: human animal relations; aesthetics and expressive culture; ethnographic methods, ethics and research design. 

Graduate program

The graduate program offers students the opportunity to concentrate study in one of the four sub-fields, to gain research experience and training in the field and in the laboratory, and emphasizes empirical and applied studies.

Hands on learning

Field schools provide students with instruction and hands-on experience in methods of field research. The department maintains a strong orientation to fieldwork and ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Anthropology faculty and students are involved in many field-based research programs.

 

News
  • Matia Wartes. ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Photo by Eric Engman

    Making Opportunity Matter: Matia Wartes

    July 31, 2026

    Anthropology student Matia Wartes shares how curiosity, leadership and community shaped her ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ experience.

  • Jay Clark. ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Photo by Eric Engman

    Cultivating Curiosity: Jay Clark

    July 31, 2026

    One question in the ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ archives sparked Jay Clark's passion for research, history and discovering overlooked stories.

  • Emily Owens. ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Photo by Eric Engman

    Unearthing Her Future: Emily Owens

    July 31, 2026

    Anthropology student Emily Owens is turning a lifelong interest in archaeology into hands-on experience at ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ.

Anthropology News & Events

 

 

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Department of Anthropology Contact Information

Department of Anthropology

Email: uaf-anthropology@alaska.edu
Phone: 907-474-7009

Physical address:
1790 Tanana Loop
Bunnell Building, Room 405A
Fairbanks, AK 99775 

Mailing address:
ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Department of Anthropology
PO Box 757720
Fairbanks, AK 99775

Meet our Faculty and Staff

 

Department Chair

Ben Potter, PhD 
Professor of Anthropology

Office: Bunnell Building, Room 308A
Phone: 907-474-7567
Email: bapotter@alaska.edu





Email Dr. Ben Potter
Graduate Coordinator

Petra Banks, PhD
Assistant Professor of Anthropology

Office: Bunnell Building, Room 401
Phone: 907-474-6116
Email: pmbanks@alaska.edu

Please contact Dr. Petra Banks, the ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Anthropology Graduate Program Coordinator with all queries about our MA and PhD studies.

Email Dr. Petra Banks
CLA Academic Advising

At times, navigating your way through college can be tricky. Throughout your academic journey, you’ll need guidance from different advisors to stay on the path to success. Visit our advising page to ensure you're reaching out to the right advisor at each stage of your journey. Here is a brief outline of some of the different types of advising available to you.

ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Academic Advising Center (First-Year Students: 0–24 credits)
Designed for first-year students, this service helps you lay a strong academic foundation, equipping you with the resources and guidance needed to succeed in your degree program.

CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advising (Students with more than 24 credits)
Once you’ve completed 24 credits, you’ll work with one of our CLA undergraduate advisors for help with registration, petitions, major changes, and navigating college-related questions.

CLA Undergraduate Department/Program Advising (Declared Majors/Minors)
In addition to your CLA undergraduate comprehensive advising, once you’ve declared a major or minor, faculty advisors within your department supplement specialized guidance, helping with upper-division-level course selection within the major, internships, practicums, and capstone projects.

CLA Graduate Advising
Graduate students do not meet with CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advisors. Graduate students will appoint an advisory committee. The graduate advisory committee guides the student in developing and completing their degree program. CLA has designated department graduate coordinators who will guide you through this process. 

Non-Degree Seeking Students
Advising is also available for students who are not pursuing a degree but just want to take a class and want help with course selection and academic planning. This happens through ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Admissions.

Please visit our advising page for more information and contact details.