About
About Us

Welcome to the Department of Anthropology at the 51做厙!
It is a true privilege to serve as Chair of a department with such a distinguished
history and forward-looking mission. Since its founding and creation of groundbreaking
programs in Applied Anthropology, USF has played a defining role in shaping the field.
That spirit of innovation and leadership continues to guide us today.
Anthropology at USF is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: understanding humanity
in all its dimensions can help us address the most pressing challenges of our time.
Across our subfields, we are united by a commitment to applying knowledge in meaningful
ways. Our faculty and students engage in research that contributes to communities and public life while also advancing scholarship.
As the leading program in Applied Anthropology, we take pride in preparing students
to think critically, work collaboratively, and make a tangible impact. Whether in
our undergraduate majors and minors or in our M.A. and Ph.D. programs, students gain the tools to connect anthropological insight with real-world practice.
Opportunities for hands-on learning through research, internships, and community engagement
are central to the USF experience.
Our impact is reflected in the accomplishments of our alumni. Our undergraduate program
has trained thousands of students who have gone on to successful careers in a wide
range of fields. We have a global network of more than 880 Ph.D. and M.A. graduates who are advancing knowledge and practice in academia, public health, business, government,
cultural resource menagement, nonprofit organizations, and many other fields. They
embody the core values of this department: intellectual curiosity, practical engagement,
and a commitment to improving the human condition.
As the new Chair, I am excited to build on these strong foundations. I look forward
to supporting our exceptional faculty, expanding opportunities for our students, and
strengthening the partnerships that connect our work to communities locally and around
the world. Together, we will continue to grow as a dynamic, collaborative, and impactful
department.
Whether you are a prospective student, a current member of our community, an alum,
or a partner, I invite you to learn more about our programs, connect with us, and
become part of the vibrant future of USF Anthropology.
Warm regards,
Heide Casta簽eda
Professor and Chair, Department of Anthropology
51做厙
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