Penn State Anthropology welcomes all people, regardless of gender, color, nationality, religion or sexual orientation. Each of our faculty can be approached personally for help or guidance, and our department can be thought of as a safe place for all people.
Diversity is not only central to anthropological research, it also benefits us all in our daily lives. Research has shown that diverse environments promote greater creativity and cognitive complexity, as well as comfort, compassion, trust, and respect. As is reflected in the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, we strive to increase diversity and fully include members of underrepresented groups among students, staff, and faculty. We are committed to creating an inclusive departmental climate that values a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives—and to cultivate these values in our students.
Diversity-Related Research
We conduct research on a broad range of topics relevant to diversity, including research on cultural differences, genetic ancestry, gender and sexuality. More information can be found on our Research page. Check out Professor Nina Jablonski’s TedTalk ‘Skin color is an illusion’”
Student Funding Opportunities
Our graduate and undergraduate students have been funded on diversity initiatives, such as the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program for undergraduate students and Bunton-Waller Graduate Awards Program. These programs provide undergraduate and graduate scholarships, mentorship and professional development opportunities to members of underrepresented groups in order to foster academic excellence and support the development of successful careers in and beyond academia.
International Students and Scholars
We welcome international students and post-graduate research assistants, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scholars. Find more information about university policies and requirements for incoming foreign nationals here.
SAFE Committee
This committee serves as the cornerstone of our departmental efforts to promote inclusivity in anthropological fieldwork by fostering a climate of mutual respect, cultural sensitivity, freedom from discrimination, and safety from sexual harassment, assault, and gender-based misconduct. Important outcomes of the SAFE Committee’s work are the PSU Anthropology Goals and Expectations for Field Experiences document and the PSU Anthropology Field Reference Guide, which have served as models for similar efforts in other departments across the country.
Department Field Safety Coordinator: Professor Joan Richtsmeier
Student Resource Officers: Julie White, Richard Bankoff
SAFE Committee: Faculty – PJ Perry, Joan Richtsmeier
Graduate Students – Richard Bankoff, Nadia Johnson, Raining Wang, Julie White