News

Apr 25, 2012

It’s All in Your Head: Tracing Skull Differences

Anthropologist Ann Ross, who is receiving an Outstanding Research Award from the NC State University Alumni Association this spring, has co-authored a paper with her former grad student Ashley Humphries that sheds new light on the characteristics of male and female skulls. 

Apr 19, 2012

Holt Brothers Raise Cancer Awareness

Newly named CHASS advisory board member Terrence Holt and his brother Torry Holt were star football players at NC State before going on to play in the NFL. More recently, the Holt brothers have turned their powerful energy toward charity, and have organized the Answers for Cancer Walk in Raleigh. NC State's Alumni Association featured the Holt brothers on the Red and White for Life blog. 

Mar 1, 2012

Foot Bones Allow Researchers To Determine Sex of Skeletal Remains

Law enforcement officials who are tasked with identifying a body based on partial skeletal remains have a new tool at their disposal. A paper recently published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences by Sheena Harris (MA, Anthropology '09) and Associate Professor of Anthropology Troy Case details how to determine the biological sex of skeletal remains based solely on measurements of the seven tarsal bones in the feet. 

Feb 29, 2012

The Sociology of Hip-Hop: Freshmen Present Research Findings

Freshmen Alfred Anderson and Kelly Darden presented their research about the sociology of hip-hop culture at the Southeastern Undergraduate Sociology Symposium at Emory University. “We were the only freshmen there, as far as I could tell," says Darden. "We got good feedback, and were encouraged to submit our work for conferences at Princeton and Harvard, among others. Our research topic is not widely covered." “It is very unusual for first 

Feb 2, 2012

CSI NC State: Forensics Lab Shines Light on Crime

Researchers from across campus, including key faculty from CHASS, are working with law enforcement to transform the way we solve crimes. 

Jan 17, 2012

What do NC State scientists prefer: CSI or Law & Order?

For the cover story of this winter's NC State magazine, the NC State Alumni Association magazine's editor talked to researchers across campus who are teaming up to advance work in the area of forensic science. From studying blow flies to mapping skulls to developing a database of fabric dyes, these scientists are using their specialized knowledge to help solve crimes. Editor Sylvia Adcock ('81) says that while she enjoyed talking with the researchers--including CHASS anthropologist Ann Ross--about the very serious work they’re doing, she couldn’t resist asking them for their thoughts about the plethora of crime shows on television these days. 

Dec 8, 2011

Archaeologists Find New Evidence Of Animals Being Introduced To Prehistoric Caribbean

An archaeological research team from NC State University, the University of Washington and University of Florida has found one of the most diverse collections of prehistoric non-native animal remains in the Caribbean, on the tiny island of Carriacou. The find contributes to our understanding of culture in the region before the arrival of Columbus, and suggests Carriacou may have been more important than previously thought. 

Nov 16, 2011

Paying it Forward

Christina LaCanfora (Comm and Sociology '07) was so grateful for the scholarship support she received from the Department of Communication that she’s replenished the fund twice. “It feels fantastic to know that you are making it a little easier for a student to finish a degree by reducing the stress of money,” says LaCanfora, 25. She received the Nancy and Melinda Snow Scholarship and has since donated to the scholarship, with her employer, ExxonMobil, matching her donation three to one. 

Oct 18, 2011

Raising Awareness About Health Literacy

R.V. Rikard Health literacy–the ability to read, understand, and act on health-related information–poses an enormous challenge to improving health and to lowering healthcare costs in the United States. Federal policies and agencies, such as HealthyPeople 2020, the 10-yearagenda for improving national health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize the importance of… 

Oct 4, 2011

The New Dating Game: When Dates Follow Hookups

New research sheds some light on just how complicated sex and dating are. Casual sex clearly carries its own risks, but the academic literature on “hooking up” may be presenting an unduly rosy picture of dating. New research doesn’t advocate no-strings hookups (i.e., casual sex between people who aren’t dating), but does highlight gender inequities…