Dr. Parker Vanvalkenburgh

Associate Professor

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Biography

Parker VanValkenburgh's research utilizes archaeological methods to explore anthropological questions, focusing on the long-term impacts of colonialism, imperialism, and Indigenous interactions with the environment in the Peruvian Andes. His work examines diverse materials, including architecture, ceramics, environmental datasets, and archival documents, aiming to comprehend the intricate relationships between people, institutions, and environments that have been transformed through imperial histories. He employs digital methodologies and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map and analyze social, political, and environmental changes over time. As the co-director of the Paisajes Arqueológicos de Chachapoyas (PACha) project, he investigates long-term human-environment interactions in Peru's Chachapoyas region. VanValkenburgh also directs the Brown Digital Archaeology Laboratory and teaches various courses, including Geographic Information Systems and critical digital archaeology. His academic trajectory includes a Ph.D. from Harvard University and previous positions at the University of Vermont and Washington University in St. Louis. He is dedicated to fostering a rigorous exploration of the archaeological record and its implications for understanding historical narratives and contemporary issues.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2016-01-01 — Present

Brown University • Providence, RI, USA

Teaching and research focused on archaeological anthropology and indigenous studies.

Assistant Professor

2013-01-01 — 2016-01-01

University of Vermont • Burlington, VT, USA

Conducted research on the impacts of colonialism in the Andean region.

Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow

2012-01-01 — 2013-01-01

Washington University in St. Louis • St. Louis, MO, USA

Engaged in interdisciplinary inquiry modeling.

Awards

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John Carter Brown Faculty Fellow

2023-01-01
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Meenakshi Narain Excellence in Research Mentoring Award

2023-01-01
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William G. McLoughlin Award for Excellence in Teaching

2021-01-01
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Cogut Center for the Humanities Faculty Fellowship

2018-01-01
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American Council of Learned Societies Fellowship

2017-01-01
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Haffenreffer Museum Fellow

2016-01-01

Courses

Past Forward: Discovering Anthropological Archaeology Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis Vertical Civilization: South American Archaeology Advanced GIS and Spatial Analysis Principles of Archaeology Space, Power, and Politics Field Archaeology of the Ancient World Things and Maps: Cartography, Power, and Political Imagination

Requirements for Brown University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GRE General
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree in Economics or related field
Application Checklist
  • Personal Statement
  • Transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • GRE Scores
  • TOEFL/IELTS Scores (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Department: Department of Economics