Justin P. Dunnavant

Justin P. Dunnavant is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), within the College of Social Sciences. His research focuses on the historical archaeology of Africa and the African Diaspora, particularly in the US Virgin Islands, examining the interplay between ecology and enslavement in the former Danish West Indies. He is also co-founder of the Society of Black Archaeologists and an AAUS Scientific SCUBA Diver.

Key research interests include the Atlantic and Indian Ocean Slave Trade, Oral History, Community-Based Archaeology, and Maritime Archaeology. His work bridges academic scholarship with public engagement, emphasizing Black Geographies as a framework for understanding marginalized histories.

Dr. Dunnavant has received notable recognition, including the National Geographic Emerging Explorer award (2021) and induction into The Explorers Club as a global changemaker. His research has been featured on Netflix’s Explained, Hulu’s Your Attention Please, and in publications like American Archaeology and Science Magazine.

While no formal advising records are listed, his collaborations with communities and co-founding of the Society of Black Archaeologists highlight his commitment to mentorship and equity in the field. No grants or lab affiliations are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.