Pacino Mancillas

For a long time, I knew I wanted to pursue graduate studies in cultural anthropology. My professional work already lives in that space through ethnography, research and data analysis, so I wanted the stronger theoretical and methodological foundation to take that work even further. UNC Charlotte was the right fit because it offers a strong anthropology program, especially in applied anthropology, and it is right here in the Queen City — where I live and work. That allowed me to grow as a scholar while staying connected to the community and industries I care about most. What I found here has exceeded my expectations: strong faculty support, accessible classes, great resources, and real opportunities to learn and grow.

UNC Charlotte is preparing us to understand people in a way that is both rigorous and practical. We are living through constant cultural, technological and social change. Anthropologists are trained to make sense of that complexity, identify patterns and translate what we learn into insights that organizations can actually use. The program gives us the scientific, ethical, technological and historical tools to do that work well. In a noisy world full of assumptions and quick reactions, that kind of training matters.

One of my favorite places is Atkins Library, especially the Quiet Area on the first floor. It has great natural light, comfortable seating, large tables and the kind of atmosphere that helps you focus right away. It is the perfect place to spend time reading or writing. And having a Starbucks on the ground floor certainly does not hurt.

One of my favorite memories was going on my first archaeological excavation and actually finding a piece of history. We worked in an area near the Latta Plantation in Huntersville, marked the site, excavated carefully and uncovered material that connected us directly to the past. Learning history in a classroom is one thing, but discovering it in the field is something entirely different. It was hands-on, real and unforgettable. Super cool is exactly the right phrase.

Yes, and it has been one of the most meaningful parts of my graduate experience. My research focuses on knowledge transfer and construction safety. I have worked with and studied construction workers for more than 20 years, and UNC Charlotte gave me the opportunity to connect that professional experience with academic research in a deeper way. One major opportunity was a collaboration with Wake Forest School of Medicine to study safety behaviors among construction workers. We conducted the research in 2025 and presented the results at the Society for Applied Anthropology conference in Albuquerque on March 20, 2026. What makes this especially meaningful is that it is not just research for the sake of research. The findings can help inform better safety training programs and help more workers return home safely at the end of the day. I am very proud of that work.