Sociology and Anthropology

Nov 14, 2014

November Student of the Month

Spechel Wooten is a senior with majors in anthropology and criminology, and a minor in forensic science. She has interned with the Wake County Public Defender's Office, NC State Bureau of Investigation, and NC State's CSLEPS. She has worked on campus for University Housing and University Conference Services. She intends to apply to law school after graduation in December 2014. 

Sep 24, 2014

Childhood Mentors Boost Career Success

New research from NC State's Department of Sociology and Anthropology finds that young people who have had mentors are more likely to find work early in their careers that gives them more responsibility and autonomy – ultimately putting them on a path to more financially and personally rewarding careers. 

Sep 11, 2014

‘Family Meal’ Ideal Is Stressful, Impossible for Many Families

Magazines, television and other popular media increasingly urge families to return to the kitchen, stressing the importance of home-cooked meals and family dinners to physical health and family well-being. But new research findings from North Carolina State University show that home cooking and family meals place significant stresses on many families – and are simply… 

May 7, 2014

This is What Science Looks Like at NC State

NC State's research blog, the Abstract, has initiated a series of posts that highlight the diversity of researchers at our university. Featured CHASS faculty include a psychologist, an anthropologist, and a health communication researcher. 

Apr 28, 2014

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. 

Apr 14, 2014

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. 

Mar 6, 2014

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. 

Mar 3, 2014

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.