Author Archives: Douglas J. Anderson

About Douglas J. Anderson

I'm Douglas J. Anderson, Ph.D., a multifaceted educator with two decades of experience. Holding a Ph.D. from the Graduate Theological Foundation, an M.A. in Anthropology and Southwestern Archaeology, and a comprehensive Oxford TESOL/TESL/TEFL certificate, I weave together diverse disciplines in my approach to teaching. My academic journey began at Fresno City College, where I honed my archaeological skills, which extended to on-field experience in Californian and New Mexican prehistoric cultures. This practical knowledge, enriched by my master's research on Narbona Pass chert in the Navajo Nation, informs my teaching. Deeply influenced by Dr. Albert Schweitzer's "Reverence for Life" ethic, I aspire to guide minds of all ages, instilling respect for all life forms in my teaching and community activism. My commitment to teaching excellence has earned me several professional awards, including a Master Teacher Award (2015-2016) and Teaching Excellence Awards in Philosophy (2013-2014), and Anthropology (2012-2013) from Front Range Community College in Colorado. I am an essential Subject Matter Expert in Cultural Anthropology for the College of Professional Studies, University of New England. I have expanded my influence beyond traditional academia, contributing as a Peace Corps Virtual Service Volunteer to the Philippine Science High School STEM curriculum. With my wife, Ana María, I devoted nearly three years with the Peace Corps to UNESCO's TiNi children's education program in Ecuador. Today, I share anthropological and related disciplinary insights via my blog and offer academic coaching through Apprentus.

Scientific Dilemmas: Science and Ethics

I was invited to give a talk and conduct a workshop to the Values Education Unit of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS). As the general topic centered on science and the role of the scientist in society, I chose … Continue reading

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It Takes a Village!

All those involved with my PSHS Virtual Service Pilot Philippines STEM Curriculum Revision Project. Continue reading

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Meet the VSPP Team! – PSHS Curriculum Revision Staff!

My first week of Virtual Orientation Meetings with various staff of the Peace Corps and Philippine Science High School (PSHS) took place on October 12, 13, and 14, and what a week it was! Five hours were packed with presentations … Continue reading

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My New PC Volunteer VSP Project! — Supporting Philippine Science High School Teachers with STEM Curriculum Revision 

Courtesy of Sunrise Theatre Continue reading

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Evolutionary Anthropologist Awarded 2022 Nobel Prize for Studies of Extinct Human Ancestors

Svante Pääbo, Evolutionary Anthropologist, Geneticist, and Director of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, has won this year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his pioneering work on the DNA of extinct humans and human ancestors. Dr. Pääbo established the … Continue reading

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Teilhard de Chardin

Who was Teilhard de Chardin and what is his connection to anthropology? A French Jesuit Priest born in 1881, Teilhard de Chardin occupies a distinct niche in the annals of anthropology often overlooked in textbooks and academic publications. If he … Continue reading

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Albert Schweitzer & Medical Anthropology

Who was Albert Schweitzer? Philosopher, Theologian, Musician, Medical Doctor, winner of the Nobel Prize. But why do we include him here under medical anthropology? Because at the age of thirty-three, after having obtained his medical degree with specialties in tropical … Continue reading

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Did Neanderthals Make Art?

I just read an opinion piece that appeared in an online publication Sapiens about Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis, Homo sapiens neanderthalensis) and whether they made art. I wanted to check out this article because I remember doing some research on Neanderthals … Continue reading

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Pope Francis’ Atonement in Canada: The Truth Behind the Mea Culpa

I just read this article in the Hungarian Conservative about Canada’s policy of forced assimilation of Indigenous children enacted in 1857 by the Gradual Civilization Act. Written by Mario Alexis Portella who has an impressive set of academic credentials, it highlights problems … Continue reading

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Community Engagement in Archaeology

As an undergraduate student enrolled in courses at Fresno City College and later California State University, Fresno, I participated in many course-sponsored archeological projects that ranged from pedestrian survey to hands-on excavation. I loved all of it which is why I took majors … Continue reading

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