Yan Cai

Yan Cai is a Lecturer and former Teaching Assistant at the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Anthropology (Dietrich School). She earned a PhD in 2022, focusing on sociopolitical complexity in Pacific island societies, particularly Palau’s Ngkeklau stonework village (1200–1800 CE). Her research examines productive differentiation and economic interdependence’s role in socio-political structures.

Education:

• M.A. Archaeology, Jilin University (2010–2013)
• B.A. Archaeology, Xiamen University (2006–2010)

Research Interests: Yan investigates how local-scale economic and social differentiation shape political complexity in Pacific societies. Her work combines material analysis of household assemblages with cross-cultural comparisons to explore agriculture’s role in societal development.

Publications: Her articles focus on Chinese tile production techniques and Taiwanese Aboriginal cultural evolution through settlement patterns. These reflect her expertise in material culture analysis and regional archaeological frameworks.

Teaching Roles: She served as a Teaching Instructor (2018 summer) and Teaching Assistant (2014–present) at the University of Pittsburgh.