Anthropology: For a Future that Makes a Difference
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Anthropology contributes to your growth as a human being and is a great foundation for many exciting careers in archaeology, academia, museums, complementary medicine (acupuncture, naturopathy, chiropractic), biomedicine (doctor, nurse, midwifery), public health, and working in non-government organizations (NGOs) and marketing agencies. Many anthropologists forge paths as culture brokers, mediating heritage land rights, fisheries management, or health-care in hospitals and social services. Combine anthropology with an Education degree and you bring a wealth of information to your elementary or high school classroom. Follow a B.A. in anthropology with a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) and you can assist in the development of health promotion programs in your community. The essence of Anthropology is holism, making the possibilities for an exciting and meaningful future, personally and professionally, endless!
Student Experiences in Our Programs
Students learn in and out of the classroom, on and off campus, applied learning experiences and career placement.
Anthropology Alumni
Shania Tamagyongfal, class of 2024
Shania Tamagyongfal’s journey at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo began as an undergraduate student. During her undergrad, Shania worked as the Anthropology Department Assistant, helping students with their research papers while conducting her own studies with the Islands of Opportunity Alliance, or (IOA)-LSAMP program. Her project included interviewing Pacific Islander students in STEM. In continued service, Shania volunteered with the department’s collections and served as the President of the Wa’ab Student Organization, helping Yapese students engage in campus events. For these works and more, Shania received the Outstanding Student Award in the Anthropology Department in May of 2020. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies, and a Certificate in Pacific Islands Studies. Shania entered the MA program of Heritage Management, documenting oral histories of Yapese voyaging. She had the opportunity to contribute to a book on voyaging through the lens of Pacific Islanders by interviewing practitioners:
“It was an amazing experience as we engaged with various academic scholars and cultural practitioners, learning various stories and perspectives.”
She graduated in 2024 and is currently the Bonner Program Coordinator at UHH and teaches Pacific Islands Studies courses as a lecturer with HCC.
Lokelani Brandt, class of 2012
Lokelani Brandt
Lokelani Brandt graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo in 2012 with a bachelor's degree, majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Hawaiian Studies. She continued her scholarship with UH Hilo and graduated in 2017 with a master's degree in Heritage Management. Her time with the Anthropology Department benefitted her greatly, as she uses the technical skills she picked up from courses in archaeology and ethnography daily in her line of work. Lokelani is now a licensed archaeologist in the State of Hawaiʻi, working with ASM Affiliates as a Senior Archaeologist and Ethnographer.
Lokelani cites the relationships she made during her time at UH Hilo as "pivotal" to her success:
"Many of the people that I met during my undergraduate and graduate programs are now my peers, and we continue to support each other in our work."
Halena Kapuni-Reynolds, class of 2013
Halena Kapuni-Reynolds
Halena Kapuni-Reynolds graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo in 2013, earning a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Hawaiian Studies. During his time at UH Hilo, he served as the Kūikapiko Anthropology Club president from 2011-2013 and received the 2013 Outstanding Anthropology Student award. In 2015, Halena graduated from the University of Denver with a Master's in Anthropology, focusing on Museum and Heritage Studies, and later completed his Ph.D. dissertation in American Studies with a specialization in Indigenous Studies and Museum Studies at UH Mānoa. Halena works for ASM Affiliates as an Associate Cultural Specialist. One of his favorite experiences with the UHH Anthropology Department was the various huakaʻi he helped coordinate during his club presidency:
“I learned the importance of community-based heritage work. I firmly believe that my time at UH-Hilo laid the foundation for the community work I continue to do in Keaukaha and Hawaiʻi’s heritage sector.”