Read more about Chistopher DeCorse's success using his Anthropology degree on UNH Tales.
I am currently a professor of anthropology in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. My time as an undergraduate anthropology major at UNH was both enjoyable and formative in terms of my career in anthropology. When I started at UNH, I was already fairly focused in wanting to study African archaeology. The anthropology faculty both nurtured this interest and provided a grounding for my graduate studies. The undergraduate curriculum, which included course work in physical anthropology, archaeology, and cultural anthropology, broadened my view of anthropology. This holistic view of the field remains part of my perspective. Two faculty members were particularly helpful. I worked closely with Dr. Charlie Bolian, who at the time was directing an archaeological Field School at Weirs Beach on Lake Winnipesauke. Although I had previously volunteered on archaeological excavations, this was my first experience as a participant in a full scale excavation. The experience was fantastic: the Archaic site we excavated was interesting; the fieldwork, the people, and the bologna sandwiches that we ate for eight weeks were all great. I also volunteered in Charlie’s lab and helped with the analysis of the material excavated from the site. This provided me with my first substantive experience with archaeological analysis. The other UNH faculty member that had a big impact on my career was Steve Reyna. Steve’s research focus is on social and cultural theory, with an area focus on West Africa. Among other things, Steve told me that if I was serious about studying Africa I needed to spend time there. Heeding his advice, I subsequently accepted a Peace Corps placement in Sierra Leone and eventually completed my masters research on the archaeology of Sierra Leone. Later I also taught at the University of Ghana, Legon. Steve and I have remained in touch and he remains a mentor to this day. See my website at: http://syr.academia.edu/ChristopherDeCorse
