Change and Development

I was always interested in using anthropology to both explain change and to promote change. My doctoral fieldwork among the Bassari in Eastern Senegal was an attempt to understand how and why their society was changing. Later, my work with a variety of development agencies and projects in half-a-dozen countries taught me how to improve project planning and implementation, using anthropology.

Cross-Cultural Learning and Adaptation

Much of what promotes effectiveness in international work results from the ability to learn and adapt to other ways of thinking and living. Some people can do this fairly naturally, but others benefit from some basic guidelines. My work with training Peace Corps volunteers got me interested in how we learn and come to terms with others.

International Education

After I returned to the US, I looked for ways to expose students and faculty members to international perspectives. As a senior administrator, I learned how to work with our large and complex university structures to promote better international understanding. I also focused on training others to do this, as well.

Preparing Anthropologists for Work in the World

Finally, I turned my attention to improving the ways in which anthropology students are prepared for careers outside the university, working to address global grand challenges. Our discipline faces a number of problems in this respect, along with a host of exciting opportunities.