Dave Aftandilian

Dr. Dave Aftandilian is Associate Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Human-Animal Relationships (HARE) minor at Texas Christian University. His research explores intersections of animals, religion, and culture through frameworks including human-animal studies, Native American spiritual traditions, environmental anthropology, food justice, and community engagement. He teaches courses such as Introduction to Archaeology, Food Justice, Animals-Religion-Culture, and Human Osteology.

He holds a Ph.D. and MA in Anthropology from the University of Chicago, and a BA in Classics and College Scholar from Cornell University. His fieldwork includes Illinois archaeology and sustainability initiatives.