
Research Programs
Investigating the Human Experience
Anthropology students and alumni have conducted in-depth research on communities throughout the world. They have explored the archaeology and history of past societies and entered the field of heritage studies and historic preservation. They have studied human biology, population health, and primatology.
Our graduates have gone on to work in international economic and political institutions. Many have entered the health professions and fields related to environment, climate, and sustainability.
Students have opportunities to collaborate with our world-renowned scholars on original laboratory, ethnographic and archaeological research, which can lead to conference presentations and professional publications.
Student Research and Travel Funding
The UD Anthropology Department provides undergraduate students with funding for research and travel activities.
Resources and Opportunities

Archaeology Lab Hours
February 12 to May 15
Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Thursdays: 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
*Note: The labs are closed on February 26, March 20, April 23-24
The Center for Material Culture Studies at the University of Delaware helps integrate and enhance the University’s rich resources for the creation, study, and conservation of material culture. Its scope is broad and embraces all the things people make and all the ways those things, in turn, inhabit and act upon the physical world.
One program is the annual Thing Tank workshop series, funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. The image in the previous tab shows UD professors and students participating in a Thing Tank workshop.
Fulfilling a core mandate to foster public understanding of material culture in our own community and beyond, the Center partners with institutions both local and international, such as the University of Delaware’s Special Collections, the Hagley Museum and Library, and Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz in Germany.
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Stellar recognition for UD’s Matthaeus
February 12, 2025 | Written by Beth MillerSpace physicist wins Francis Alison Award, highest faculty honor -
Training innovators in science and medicine
February 11, 2025 | Written by Tracey BryantUD program marks 30 years of excellence -
Uncovering Black histories at UD
February 03, 2025 | Written by Amy WolfA virtual tour ties previously overlooked histories to sites on campus. The Black Histories at UD StoryMap traces stories of Black community members, students, faculty members and racial justice activists to specific sites on the UD campus and the greater Newark area.

These University-wide and College of Arts and Sciences programs offer funding and professional development on and off campus:
- The Center for Material Culture Studies funds students who are pursuing a material culture-based internship.
- UD's Center for Global Programs and Services has several scholarship and funding opportunities for students pursuing international and cross-cultural work.
- UD's Undergraduate Research Progam offers the Summer Scholars Program, providing funding for students to conduct in-depth research or creative work in conjunction with a faculty member for 10 weeks during the summer months. Visit the Undergraduate Research Program to explore more opportunities under the "Programs" tab.
- Available to Honors College students at UD, the Honors Enrichment Funds provide financial support for academic and professional pursuits.
- The Anthropology Department employs work-study eligible students for office and academic support work.
- The David A. Plastino Scholars Program with the College of Arts & Sciences at UD awards funding to undergraduate students to support self-designed, off-campus learning experiences.
- UD's Graduate College offers summer research opportunities for undergraduate students.