Dr. Tomášková was trained as an anthropological archaeologist and her professional interests combine an inquiry into the materials of the prehistoric past with a concern for present social contexts in which archaeology and other sciences operate. She specializes in early prehistory of Europe and the old world in general, moving between anthropology, archaeology, history, social studies of science, and gender studies. Dr. Tomášková's current research project traces the emergence of the "shaman" as a standard figure in anthropological archaeology. Beginning with 17th and 18th century travel reports from Siberia as a part of a colonizing effort by the Russian Empire, her book Traveling Spirits: The History of Shamans and the Prehistory of Gender addresses the portrayal of shamans as a universal, masculine category in anthropology and prehistoric archaeology. The work is under contract with the University of California Press. At UNC-Chapel Hill Dr. Tomášková works to improve the climate for women scientists in various science departments through the Women in Science group, and by bringing distinguished women scientists to campus in an annual public lecture series. Dr. Tomášková has a joint appointment in the Anthropology Department and in Women's Studies, and teaches courses in both units.