Brett Kaufman

Brett Kaufman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Classics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with additional affiliations in Anthropology, Materials Research Lab, School of Art and Design, and Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies. His research focuses on the archaeology, history, and metallurgy of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East, emphasizing the interplay between technology, environment, and society. He holds a BA from Brandeis University and MA/PhD from UCLA, with postdoctoral experience at Brown University and faculty roles at University of Science and Technology Beijing.

Key research interests include ancient metallurgical practices, sustainability, and the political economy of Carthage. He has directed excavations in Tunisia, China, Italy, Israel, and New York, emphasizing the fusion of archaeological evidence with historical texts and inscriptions. His work bridges archaeology with engineering design, examining how cultural contexts shape technological innovation.

Recent publications highlight studies on Neo-Punic burial practices, ancient Chinese bronze metallurgy, and the environmental impacts of industrial activities in antiquity. His advocacy for academic freedom and against misinformation in higher education underscores his commitment to ethical scholarship. Grants from NSF, National Geographic, and others support his interdisciplinary projects.