Center for Bioarchaeological Research
Welcome
Here at the Center for Bioarchaeological Research (CBR), we strive to understand past peoples by examining their health, identities, diets and patterns of mobility. Our exceptional faculty, state-of-the-art facilities and exciting research and field school opportunities will challenge you to innovate, make discoveries and ignite your passion for anthropological science. Come explore what CBR has to offer.
A ground-breaking research center
The first of its kind in Arizona, the Center for Bioarchaeological Research was created by Regents' Professor Jane Buikstra –considered the founder of bioarchaeology – in 2005.
As founding director, Buikstra is still a key figure at the Center for Bioarchaeological Research, including as the director of its field school in Kampsville, Illinois. In 2014, the leadership transitioned to anthropological geneticist Anne C. Stone and to bioarchaeologist and isotope specialist Kelly J. Knudson in 2017.
The Center’s outreach initiatives involve increasing public awareness of past peoples and applying this information to contemporary problems with deep roots. These include:
- Developing collaborative research and education initiatives with descendant groups, often in partnership with other institutions, such as the Center for American Archeology (CAA)
- Residential programming in heritage studies with CAA
- Initiative in host-pathogen co-evolution exploring risk factors for infectious disease among contemporary human and non-human primate groups
Research projects
The center's research projects are wide ranging, dealing with many aspects of the human condition across time. Whether investigating life histories and population biology or host-pathogen co-evolution, our researchers examine remnants of our species' past to better understand some of today's most pressing challenges and to help prepare us for our future.
Recent news
From breaking news in research to success stories about our students, learn more about the work happening here at the Center for Bioarchaeological Research by heading over to our news section.
Study abroad
Gain invaluable experience studying the complexities of health and disease in London through the Medieval and Victorian periods, while following in the footsteps of the Black Death and Jack the Ripper. Our study abroad program, led by CBR faculty Kelly Knudson, Anne Stone and Chris Stojanowski provides students with hands-on learning opportunities in bioarchaeology and global health as well as exciting visits to some of London’s greatest cultural sites.