James Brady, Ph.D.

James Brady, Ph.D., professor of anthropology at Cal State LA, is recognized for his remarkable mentorship and effectiveness at supporting the success of students.

Through research and other unique learning opportunities, Brady provides students with the experience and knowledge needed to stand out as applicants for graduate school. In one example, his Archaeological Field Program in Central America empowered students to conduct original research centered on Mayan archaeology and present their findings at professional conferences, including the annual international meeting of the Society for American Archaeology. Students in the program have presented over 165 papers at professional meetings and 26 have been accepted into Ph.D. programs, many of whom are from underrepresented populations.

Brady successfully guides students to build a strong curriculum vitae through his Academic Writing and Publishing course. Students, especially those from underserved backgrounds, greatly benefit from the course, as they also receive guidance developing their applications to postgraduate programs.

Brady's involvement in students' pursuit of advanced degrees has resulted in numerous grants, awards and fellowships. His students have won the Sally Casanova Predoctoral Fellowship, Smithsonian Graduate Student Sum​mer Fellowship at the National Museum of the American Indian, National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates, and the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans, among others.

“As I prepare to enter a Ph.D. program, I realize that all of Dr. Brady's guidance over the last five years has put me in the driver's seat of my life. I contribute my achievements today to the mentorship I have received," says Wendy Layco, M.A. candidate in anthropology at Cal State LA.