Research
With a departmental focus on applied anthropology, students are encouraged to engage with the world by participating in and conducting research projects. If you have an interest in criminology, climate science, or preserving prehistoric sites, get involved in faculty research projects. Students who choose to pursue their learning through independent research projects may also recieve funding through several sources.
Faculty Research
Work closely with faculty on applied anthropology research connected to criminology, climate science, and the preservation of prehistoric sites.
Professor Steinmetz focuses on the intersections between incareration and gender, sexuality, race, economic inequality and violence in her scholarly research.
Professor Lampman investigates regional populations’ perceptions of vulnerability to increasingly frequent natural disasters and the responsibility of local and national governments in protection and relief.
Professor Markin explores the impacts and adaptability of past Chesapeake Bay populations to changing climates and resources, as well as the effects of contemporary climatic fluctuations on the preservation of ancient and modern cultural heritage.
Funding Sources for Student Research
There are several funding sources for students interested in assisting with faculty research or designing and conducting their own independent research projects. Each funding source has different requirements, obligations, and processes for recieving funding.
Compleat Angler Fellowship Program for Ethnographic and Archaeological Research on the Chesapeake Bay
Work with an Anthropology faculty member to research past and present cultures of the Chesapeake Bay, connecting the classroom to the community and the region. Compleat Angler Fellows can receive grants of up to $1000.
Gerda Blumenthal Phi Beta Kappa Award
The Gerda Blumenthal Phi Beta Kappa Award is awarded annually to a rising sophomore or junior to support special scholarly work in the humanities. Depending on the availability of funds and amount requested, award money will range between $800 and $1200. Upon completion of the project, recipients will present their projects to the members of Phi Beta Kappa.
Frederick Douglass Student Fellowships
The Starr Center’s Frederick Douglass Fellowships support students working collaboratively on community-based public history projects in African-American studies and related areas. Fellowships have also been awarded to students who undertake independent research and writing projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Douglass Cater Society of Junior Fellows
The Douglass Cater Society offers members an opportunity to obtain grants to pursue independent research projects or internships that will enrich and deepen their educational experience at Washington College. Grant funding is exclusive to members of the Cater Society, which is open to all majors but has rigourous membership criteria. There is not a cap on award money, but the budget must be justified and adhere to the grant proposal guidlines.