Faculty Leadership

Director

Dr. Erin Averett (on sabbatical Spring 2027)
Michael W. Barry Chair, Professor of Art History & Archaeology and Classical & Near Eastern Studies
Phone: 402.280.2261
Email: erinaverett@creighton.edu
Office: 303D Hitchcock

I’m a Professor of Art History & Archaeology and Classical & Near Eastern Studies in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. I also serve as the Associate Director of the Athienou Archaeological Project on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus and as the President of our chapter of the Archaeological Institute of America. I’m a Classicist and Archaeologist by training and I love all things ancient! I have research interests in ancient religion and ritual, terracotta figurines, and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding past societies. My ongoing research projects are focused on geoarchaeological approaches to understanding the role fire and pyrotechnics in ancient religion, social zooarchaeology and new approaches to animal sacrifice on Cyprus, and the history and ethnography of looting and subsistence digging in 20th-century Athienou.

As Director of the Honors Program, I am passionate about fostering intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary learning, undergraduate research, and meaningful connections. One of the greatest joys of my work is helping students pursue ambitious ideas—whether that means conducting original research, studying abroad, applying for prestigious fellowships, or simply discovering new ways of thinking. The Honors Program is a community of curious, engaged students who are eager to explore questions that cross disciplinary boundaries, and I am excited to help them make the most of their Creighton experience. I believe the best education challenges students to ask difficult questions, think across disciplines, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Originally from Atlanta, I still find Nebraska winters an adventure. Outside the classroom and the field, I love reading, gardening, traveling, and spending time with my three daughters and two dogs.

Associate Director

Dr. Eric Haas
Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Phone: 402.280.2276
Email: erichaas@creighton.edu
Office: Rigge Science Building 309D

I’m an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. My training is in structural biology. Since coming to Creighton, my research focus has switched to lipid biochemistry, particularly in insects. I’ve been at Creighton for 20 years and teach a variety of courses in the subject areas of chemistry and biochemistry. I grew up in Minnesota but have lived in Nebraska for more than half of my life. Outside of Creighton I enjoy music, movies, and reading.