Grant Recipient

On October 6, 2015, Jeffrey Ferguson (University of Missouri) will present “Big Data and Big Questions: The Archaeometry Laboratory at the University of Missouri Research Reactor.” From Jeffrey: Public dissemination of archaeological data is an important and challenging task for all archaeological research, but some types of data are easier to present to general audiences […]

How did our images of heaven arise and evolve—and what do these images reveal about our deepest fears and highest hopes? Dr. Wright addresses these questions and explores new images of the afterlife emerging from recent advances in technology and science. Free tickets at the Fox Tucson Theatre ticket booth (in front of the theater) […]

Burying and visiting the graves of deceased loved ones distinguishes humans from other animals. Dr. Stiner explores the development of burial practices, which likely represents the first cognitive bridge between the living and the deceased in human evolution. Free tickets at the Fox Tucson Theatre ticket booth (in front of the theater) starting at 4:00pm […]

In time for Halloween, Dr. Hogle explores the surprising evolution of the vampire from evil to good (and even sexy) in some fictions and films toward the end of the 20th century. What does this change say about our modern social and cultural values? Free tickets at the Fox Tucson Theatre ticket booth (in front […]

On November 3, 2015, Katherine Dungan (University of Arizona) will present “Religion and Religious Architecture: A Historical Approach to Interpreting Great Kivas.” From Katherine: In my work, I raise questions about how religion and large architectural spaces are interpreted in the precontact U.S. Southwest and in other non-state societies. Historically, archaeologists have tended to assume […]

Ancient philosophers Plato and Epicurus disagree on whether the soul is immortal, yet neither thought death is to be feared. Instead, both argued that death gives us a reason to live a meaningful life. Dr. Rachana Kamtekar explores these views and their relevance today. Free tickets at the Fox Tucson Theatre ticket booth (in front […]

Dr. Shaun Nichols spent months in India exploring attitudes toward death among Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists. Because Buddhists believe there is no enduring self throughout biological life, they should be less afraid of death. But are they? His findings may surprise you. Free tickets at the Fox Tucson Theatre ticket booth (in front of the […]