About the Center
At the UCLA Center for Archaeological Research and Recovery, we are committed to advancing archaeological practices through scientific research, community collaboration, and innovative recovery efforts. In partnership with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF), our center focuses on a range of projects aimed at recovering and identifying missing personnel from past conflicts, providing closure to families and honoring the service of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Our team of dedicated researchers, archaeologists, and students works closely with the DPAA and HJF to employ cutting-edge field and laboratory methods that include excavation, analysis, and the integration of forensic sciences. Together, we conduct field expeditions in various global locations to locate, recover, and repatriate the remains of fallen heroes, while also fostering an educational environment where the next generation of archaeologists can contribute to meaningful historical recovery efforts.
As part of the UCLA community, the center provides unique opportunities for archaeology students and volunteers to practice hands-on field experience in a fast-paced team-oriented space. Our commitment to community engagement both within UCLA and with our partner organizations allows us to maintain a strong network of colleagues and collaborators for ongoing and future projects.
The center also serves as a hub for international collaboration, emphasizing the importance of ethical archaeology, cultural sensitivity, and the preservation of heritage. Through our diverse range of projects, we aim to not only recover the past but to also contribute to the broader understanding of human history and resilience.
Who are we?
The UCLA CARR is led by a dynamic team of archaeologists and researchers who bring a wealth of experience and expertise for historical recovery and collaboration across Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asian Archaeology Lab
The CARR is run through the Southeast Asian Archaeology Lab (SEAALAB) at UCLA, a hub for cutting-edge research dedicated to understanding the diverse and complex histories of Southeast Asia. Our work explores the intersections of archaeology, climate science, Indigenous Knowledges, and historical scholarship, focusing on how these elements shape human-environment interactions over time.
At SEAALAB, we are deeply committed to addressing issues of historical justice and equity. Our research places a strong emphasis on community engagement, ensuring that local voices are not only heard but actively shape the narratives we construct. We believe that collaborative, community-centered research is key to promoting a more inclusive and responsible understanding of the past.
With projects that range from investigating past agricultural systems and maritime networks to studying how Indigenous knowledge systems have supported resilience in the face of climate change, SEAALAB is dedicated to producing scholarship that contributes to both academic discourse and the well-being of communities today. We invite students, scholars, and community partners to join us in this endeavor to bridge the gap between the past and the future.
