Current courses

ANTH465/ANTH688E: Ethnoecology

This course introduces theory and methodology from ethnoecology, the study of human relationships with and knowledge about the environment. We will examine human relationships with both biotic (e.g. plants and animals) and abiotic (e.g. glaciers, weather) elements of ecological systems to better understand how knowledge frameworks and cultural practices shape human experiences of the natural world.

Testudo syllabus

ANTH630: Quantification and Statistics in Applied Anthropology

This course introduces graduate students to theory and methods in quantitative anthropological and archaeological research. This is accomplished through three main themes threaded throughout the semester: 1) asking quantitative questions in anthropology, 2) statistics / data science theory and 3) data analysis and management.

Online syllabus and tutorials


ANTH322: Method and Theory in Ecological Anthropology

A theoretical consideration of ecological anthropology, focusing on issues related to cooperation, the management of common property, resilience, and sustainability. Explores the methods of sociocultural anthropology, including ethnology, evolutionary game theory and agent-based modeling; and natural-science approaches including behavioral and systems ecology. Theoretical and methodological approaches are applied through a semester-long grant writing project.

Testudo syllabus

ANTH481: Environmental Ethnographies of Asia

Examines social and ecological environments in Asia through the lens of classic and contemporary ethnographies from across the continent. Considers how cultural, political and economic dynamics interact with ecological systems in both recurring and unexpected ways. Ethnographies include case studies of global commodity chains, technoscientific management, borders and migration, conservation, and local knowledge as they intersect with changing environments.

Online syllabus


ANTH722: Ecological Anthropology

An overview of important approaches to ecological anthropology. We will discuss ethnoecology, political ecology, human behavioral ecology, social network analysis and other approaches as they apply to questions about cooperation, conservation, resource access, social status and other contemporary issues. Throughout the semester students will also work on developing a grant proposal and reviewing peer proposals.

Online syllabus


Prospective students

I am recruiting prospective students to join ongoing and future research initiatives. Current UMD undergraduate and graduate students with skills in spatial, network, or text analysis are encouraged to contact me about potential independent studies or research assistantships. Research topics focused on diversity, inequality, environmental justice and marginalization are particularly encouraged. Research group openings include specializations in the topics listed below.


Ethnoecology, cultural landscapes and linguistics

Resource governance and social networks

Political ecology in Southeast and East Asia


Thinking about a career in ecological anthropology?

There are many opportunities for a future in ecological anthropology! Below are a few resources to get you started.

Listservs and Job boards

General resources

Grants, Internships and Fellowships

Organizations, institutes and conferences

Online resources

R Crash Course for Anthropologists Workshop

This workshop is designed to help anthropologists get started using R. The tutorials cover: 1) Basic R operations, 2) Exploratory data analysis, 3) Creating interactive maps, 4) Introductory text analysis

Workshop link


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