Assistant Professor This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
University Hall (UH) 3127
(205) 934-3508

Research and Teaching Interests: Southeastern U.S. archaeology, museum studies and archaeological collections management, field archaeology

Office Hours: T/TH 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. or by appointment

Education:

• BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Archaeology and Native American History
• MA, University of Alabama, Southeastern Archaeology
• PhD, University of Alabama, Southeastern Archaeology/Archaeology of Complex Societies

Originally from North Carolina, Lauren Downs is an archaeologist specializing in the precontact, Indigenous cultures of the southeastern United States. Before joining the UAB Department of Anthropology in 2013, Lauren received her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Alabama. Much of her research focuses on Woodland and Mississippian cultures of the Lower South. At sites in this region, Lauren utilizes archaeological survey and excavation to address topics such as site use, cultural interaction/exchange, and cultural change over time. Lauren also enjoys incorporating hands-on learning experiences into her courses, including field-trips, the use of artifacts in the classroom, and leading on-site field and lab courses. In her spare time, Lauren also enjoys cooking, gardening, and traveling.

Scholars @ UAB Profile