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Sonya Atalay is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She focuses on community-based research and Indigenous knowledges, notably in the contexts of repatriation and cultural heritage. Her research incorporates ethical frameworks and methodologies in partnership with Indigenous and local communities to address the complexities and triumphs of conducting research in these contexts. Atalay has been involved in significant projects like the Intellectual Property and Cultural Heritage (IPinCH) project and has received funding from the National Science Foundation as well as the Mellon New Directions program. She has been an advocate for the importance of braiding Indigenous knowledge with mainstream scientific practices to ensure ethical research that respects Indigenous rights. Her teaching emphasizes Indigenous research practices, community-based archaeology, and the ethical implications of archaeological work. Atalay has authored and co-authored multiple publications, including books and articles that explore the intersection of archaeology, Indigenous rights, and ethical research frameworks. Her ongoing work aims to bridge the gap between Indigenous knowledge systems and scientific inquiry, particularly in addressing climate change and cultural preservation.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Cambridge, MA
Leading research and teaching initiatives in community-based anthropology and Indigenous studies.