What initially drew you to the field of anthropology and what you love about the field?
I was initially drawn to biological anthropology because of its holistic approach to studying people. As an undergraduate, a course in osteology introduced me to forensic anthropology—and I was hooked. I ultimately chose a career in forensic anthropology because of its direct impact to local communities through modern forensic casework.
Can you briefly describe your dissertation defense research and what inspired you to pursue this topic?
My dissertation research focused on sample and selection bias in studies using documented skeletal collections. I’ve always been interested in validation research, which is essential to forensic science, as valid methods are required for courtroom testimony. This topic appealed to me because it allowed me to take a step back and critically evaluate not just individual forensic anthropology methods, but the broader processes by which we develop and validate them.
Why did you choose MSU for your PhD program?
I chose MSU primarily for the opportunity to work with my advisor, Dr. Joe Hefner, a respected researcher and mentor in the field. MSU also stood out for its unique resources and support for graduate students. During my time here, I’ve been fortunate to work with MSU Forensic Anthropology Lab, Campus Archaeology Program, and the Cultural Heritage Initiative. These diverse experiences have been instrumental in shaping my development as both an anthropologist and scholar.
Favorite memory during your time at MSU?
One of my favorite memories at MSU was working in the MSU Forensic Anthropology Laboratory. This hands-on casework was what initially drew me to the field, so having the opportunity to contribute was incredibly rewarding. I learned so much from Dr. Isaac and Dr. Hefner during that time, and the experience reaffirmed my passionate for pursuing a career in forensic anthropology.
Can you describe your new role, what you are looking forward to in this position and any plans/career goals for the future?
I’ve accepted a position as an Assistant Professor in Forensic Anthropology at Western Carolina University. In this role, I’ll be teaching undergraduate students, continuing my research, and collaborating with faculty on forensic casework, short courses, and research projects. I’m especially excited about mentoring students and contributing to WCU’s well-regarded forensic anthropology program. Looking ahead, one of my long-term professional goals is to obtain board certification in forensic anthropology.
Juan Carlos Rico Noguera, Ph.D. riconogu@msu.edu
What initially drew you to the field of anthropology and what you love about the field?
I’ve always been attracted to studying humans, our shared history, and our changes across time and space. My bachelor’s degree is in political science, and I loved what I learned from that discipline. However, I paid more attention than most of my colleagues to how politics were affected by “the ordinary” or by what anthropologists label as “culture.” Since I had a strong interest in the role culture played in the determination of politics—as well as in the expressions of politics that exceed formal political processes—I thought I could use some anthropological training.
After finishing my Ph.D. degree, I can say I was not wrong! Cultural anthropology is a holistic field that enables you to question politics in a way I could never find in political science. Like anthropologists love to say, we learn to make of the strange something familiar and the familiar strange. Learning to do that allows you to interrogate political processes in original and productive ways. I sincerely believe that in the times of profound political polarization worldwide, the anthropological tradition of studying culture and its historically bounded uniqueness holds the promises not only of explaining many sources of conflict and distress, but also of finding ways to come together and coexist in our differences.
Can you briefly describe your dissertation defense research and what inspired you to pursue this topic?
My dissertation research explored an uncommon intellectual pursuit in Colombia with profound political implications for Latin America: the opening, the functioning, and the products of a historical memory research group within the Colombian National Police. As everyone knows, the police are institutions that uses physical force—or violence—to uphold and enforce the law. As many social and cultural analysts also know, the police often enforce the law in ways that challenge the law and human dignity. But not many know that the police institutions remember in very particular ways and that, under unique circumstances, they can even create a historical memory research group! My dissertation examined how the Colombian police memorialize their past, paying special attention to how that effort is profoundly connected to the Latin American’s political transitions to liberal democratic regimes.
I became fascinated with this topic when I discovered the Colombian police were “writing history.” It was very unusual—and deeply problematic. The police chose to write about national history at a time when what was expected of them was accountability for human rights violations. For me, studying the police’s memorialization of the past was an opportunity to better understand Colombia’s complex history of violence and conflict—and also a chance to imagine new routes to “peace,” a profoundly important word in countries where political violence is so appalling. I love to say that studying the Colombian police’s memorialization of the past through ethnographic methods turned out to be both what I expected and a window into a universe of experiences I had been unaware of. Institutions like the police should be more relevant for social scientists in general—especially for those who think of their work not only in terms of their academic productivity. Working more closely with the police—in terms of proximity, not allegiance—could foster positive socio-political change for many communities.
Why did you choose MSU for your Ph.D. program?
Is it wrong if I start by saying the lakes first attracted me? I’m an international student, and when I decided I wanted to study abroad, I didn’t know much about the United States education system. I knew which universities were considered prestigious, who the big-name professors were, and how challenging it would be to get accepted. I also knew studying in the United States was a great opportunity for many reasons.
But choosing a university to attend in the United States as a foreigner can be baffling—there are hundreds of great schools! So, my method was to look for places that felt completely different from Colombia, where I could truly feel like I was somewhere else. Being surrounded by three oceans of fresh water and enduring six to seven months of unbearable cold met my criteria for “somewhere else.” I chose well. I developed a love relationship with Michigan.
When I was accepted to MSU, I felt like the luckiest guy on Earth. It was a great school, and the Department of Anthropology happened to have an outstanding scholar—Dr. Drexler—who specialized in the politics of political transitions and was willing to work with me. Much of my appreciation for MSU came through discovery, as I experienced what it meant to be a Ph.D. student at a school like this. I always felt supported and cared for by both MSU and the Department of Anthropology.
There are many things I regret and life choices I would like to make again, but coming to MSU is definitely not one of them. I went green and white.
Favorite memory during your time at MSU?
My favorite memory is when I took my wife to a football game. It was the first “American thing” we did together here. We got bored very quickly, and I can’t understand why Americans love that game so much… Haven’t they watched a soccer match?
Despite all the boredom—and humiliation MSU experienced that day—I really appreciated sharing that moment with my wife. We survived four years of a long-distance relationship, so getting to share that “American thing” with her meant a lot to me.
What are the next steps for you regarding your career?
I’m moving to Colombia, where I plan to spend at least three years. I hope to continue my academic work on memory and politics in Latin America. I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for comparative scholarship since starting my Ph.D, so I’m looking forward to expanding my work in that direction.
What initially drew you to the field of anthropology?
I was drawn to this field by my first anthropology and sociology classes in community college because they destroyed my preconceived perceptions about people, culture and society. While at the same time they answered and explained things that no one else could really explain to me. It made me hungry for more knowledge and to broaden my understanding of the world around me.
Can you briefly describe your dissertation defense research and what inspired you to pursue this topic?
My dissertation research was on culturally competent special education programs in Tribal schools. I became interested in special education because I was a former special education student myself and I have two brothers on the autism spectrum who received very different special education accommodations. My interest in Native American and Indigenous studies originally started separately. I got into this area due to personal connections to Native folks growing up, but also due to my experiences at Central Michigan University where I volunteered in the archeology lab while they were processing artifacts from the Federal Indian Boarding School in Mt. Pleasant.
Why did you choose MSU for your Ph.D. program?
I chose MSU for a few reasons, mostly because I knew that this program and my advisor would allow me to pursue the type of research I wanted to do. However, because Lansing is so close to my hometown it also allowed me to continue to help and support my family in caring for one of my brothers who is severely autistic and needed a lot of care.