Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Allison Mickel is the Class of 1961 Associate Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology, and Director of Global Studies at Lehigh University. She received her PhD in anthropology from Stanford University in 2016 and her BA from The College of William and Mary in 2011. Her research focuses on how local communities have impacted and been affected by archaeological work. By interviewing current and former site workers employed on archaeological projects, and utilizing statistical and visual methods like social network analysis, Allison Mickel maps, measures, illustrates, transcribes, outlines, and stipples the roles that local community members play in the processes of archaeological knowledge production. She has excavated in Jordan, Turkey, Kenya, and the United States. Mickel is the author of two books: Why Those Who Shovel are Silent, and Archaeologists as Authors and the Stories of Sites. She is now writing her third book, which investigates new strategies being used in Jordan to ensure fair labor conditions on archaeological excavations and elevate local expertise in cultural heritage. In addition to her scholarly work advocating for more inclusive practices in archaeology, Allison Mickel is also an active public anthropologist, writing for newspapers and online platforms, volunteering with the organization Skype a Scientist, reviewing educational material for organizations like the Boy Scouts of America, and organizing annual outreach events with local public schools for Anthropology Day. She is an avid audiobook listener, reality television viewer, native plant gardener, sparkling wine sipper, and thrift shopper. She will pet any dog anytime, anywhere, and most likely still hasn't unpacked from her last trip.