Blog
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I met Jon Marks in 2015, when I enrolled in the Master’s program in anthropology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I had just finished a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology and philosophy at East Carolina University, full of ideas but unsure where they might lead. I was lucky to have been mentored by…
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On the May 12th, 2025 cover of Time Magazine, you will see a picture of a white wolf below the bold word Extinct slashed through with a red block. Below it reads “This is Remus. He’s a dire wolf. The first to exist in over 10,000 years. Endangered species could be changed forever.” This is…
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After five years of research and writing, I am pleased to announce that my first book is under contract with University of Texas Press. Peer reviews came back as positive with incredibly helpful feedback that will undoubtably enhance the text. I look forward to continuing writing and editing the manuscript with the reviewers’ suggestions in…
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I was a guest on The Sausage of Science podcast with Dr. Chris Lynn, discussing my research. Listen below. I discuss my past research project on human-javelina relations in Texas, my forthcoming book, and my current work in on Mexican wolf reintroduction.
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A couple of weeks ago, a coyote climbed the fence into my mother’s backyard and attacked one of her dogs, Cujo. The coyote only stopped its assault when Zoey, the 40+ lbs doberman puppy chased it off. My mother is convinced Zoey was just trying to play. Several weeks ago, her 50lbs collie mix died…
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Abstract This dissertation investigates the coexistence of humans and javelinas in Texas. Through a blend of traditional ethnography, ethology, and GIS mapping, the study explores the dynamics of interactions at three primary sites across Texas, emphasizing the mutual shaping of shared spaces and the significance of negotiation. The dissertation argues that convivial human-javelina relations in…
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I am pleased to announce that Nurturing Alternative Futures: Living with Diversity in a More-than-Human World is currently out with Routledge. I am honored to have contributed a portion of my research – “Of People and Peccaries: Perception and Politics in the Texas Hill Country” – alongside such wonderful scholars.
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Yesterday marked the fourth year since a shooter entered my classroom in Kennedy 236, took two lives, and changed dozens more forever. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte brought me back to campus for the first time since 2019 for the dedication of a new memorial structure and garden. When I first met with…
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Tomorrow, I get on a plane to fly to Charlotte, NC to attend the unveiling and dedication of a new memorial for Reed, Riley, and the other victims of the April 30, 2019 shooting that occurred in my class. I have written several pieces on the subject over the four years and I always write…
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Firstly, this is satire. I love all of my paleoanthropologist friends. Paleoanthropology is a scientific discipline dedicated to illuminating our evolutionary history. However, it is also a low-key ancestor-worshipping death cult. Consider this; many paleoanthropologists go to great pains to locate and disinter the fossilized remains of hominins: members of our lineage, after we and…
Anthrop 365 