News Archives
Spring 2021
Congratulations to our anthropology and sociology graduates!
The Department of Anthropology and Sociology held a celebration on zoom on May 12, 2021 to honor spring graduates and the outstanding seniors in anthropology and sociology.
Spring 2020
Sociology alum on front lines during pandemic
WCU sociology alumna Molly Wark works as a Medical Social Worker at Chester County Hospital and was recently assigned to a COVID-19 unit amid the current pandemic. In this role, she is responsible for working with COVID-19 patients and their families to develop plans for safely transitioning them from the hospital to their homes while ensuring that they will continue to receive needed care. “It has been extremely rewarding to work within a multidisciplinary healthcare team to battle this pandemic on the front lines,” she said. Molly completed her B.A. in Sociology in 2012 and went on to earn a Master of Social Work in 2015. In addition to her day job at Chester County Hospital, she also works as a Crisis Intervention Specialist for Main Line Health. Congrats, Molly, and thanks for making our department proud
Sociology student named recipient of 1871 Award
Congratulations to Sociology Program senior Samantha LaRocca on being awarded West Chester University's 1871 Award. This award honors a select group of WCU students for their outstanding accomplishments related to academics, leadership, community engagement, and career readiness. Nominated by sociologist Dr. Aliza Richman, Sam demonstrates academic strength, a commitment to serving WCU and her community, and a passion for sustainability, making her an excellent recipient of the 1871 Award. Presently, Sam is vice president and secretary of both the Sociology Club and Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honors Society. Additionally, Sam earned a spot as part of WCU's Office of Sustainability’s first cohort of Sustainability Peer Educators. In this role, Sam promotes and supports sustainability-focused initiatives across WCU. Sam's dedication to cultivating a sustainable society is admirable and offers glimpses into the type of career work she desires to pursue. We congratulate Sam on her achievements and wish her much success in her post-graduate future!
Dr. Zalewski receives inaugural advising award
Sociologist Dr. Jacqueline Zalewski was named the inaugural recipient of the West Chester University Outstanding Advisor Award and recognized for the achievement at WCU’s winter commencement ceremony. A letter from the Committee for Advising Excellence noted that they “had many outstanding applicants” but that “our awards committee felt that your work demonstrated a truly distinguished commitment to academic advising.” Congratulations to Dr. Zalewski on this outstanding—and well-deserved—achievement!Fall 2019
Sociology alumni give lectures in new substance use course
Two sociology alumni returned to campus this semester to guest lecture in Dr. Jackie Zalewski’s new course on substance use (SOC 250: The Social Contexts of Substance Use). Katharine Greeley, a licensed clinical social worker, certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor, and founder of Prevention Education Solutions, presented “Substance Use in Childhood and Adolescence,” on Sept. 12. Katharine earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from our department in 2013. Joseph Woodbridge, a primary therapist at ETHOS Treatment in West Chester and a therapist with Therapeutic Alliance in Malvern, presented “Levels of Care in Substance Abuse Treatment” on Oct. 15. After earning his sociology degree in 2014, Joseph went on to earn a master’s degree in social work at WCU in 2018. Dr. Zalewski also credits him as the co-creator of the SOC 250 course. We love seeing our graduates succeed, especially when they share their valuable knowledge and experiences with current students. Way to go!
Anthropology faculty, students host visitors
Anthropology faculty and students hosted visitors Oct. 25 from the Cornerstone Senior Center in Wilmington, Delaware. Students guided them through a personalized tour of the museum exhibit, as well as a hands-on archaeology activity.
Anthropology students, faculty work on excavation project
Anthropology faculty and students did some excavation work in September at the Newlin Grist Mill, an 18th-century industrial site, for the 7th annual Delaware County Archaeology Festival. Pictured are anthropology students Nate Scully and Brittany Siemon. Find out more about these efforts in a recent news story published in Chadds Ford Neighbors.Spring 2019
Department celebrates end of year, new grads
Department faculty and students gathered in the Old Library Atrium in May to congratulate our graduating students and celebrate their many accomplishments. This year’s Distinguished Anthropology Senior Award was presented to Emily Pepper, and Andrew Bathemess received the Distinguished Sociology Senior Award. In addition, qualifying students were inducted as new members into our two honor societies, Lambda Alpha Nu in anthropology (advised by Dr. Heather Wholey) and Alpha Kappa Delta in sociology (advised by Dr. Julie Wiest). Congratulations to our fantastic students and grads!
Sociologist presents research, takes on leadership role
Sociologist Dr. Jackie Zalewski presented research results at two conferences in March. She presented "Preparing Our Students for the Human Capital Requirements in Jobs in Markets" in a research poster session at the NACADA Mid-Atlantic Region Two Conference in Atlantic City in mid-March. Then, in late March, she presented "Advocating for Workers Who Get 'Chewed Up' in Social Interactions and Jobs in Market Organizations" in a research paper session at the North American Management Society Conference in Chicago. In addition, Dr. Zalewski was elected in March as the incoming Labor Studies Division Chair for the Society for the Study of Social Problems professional organization. Congratulations on your very successful month, Dr. Zalewski!
Fall 2018
Students gain experience processing recovered artifacts
Anthropology students are learning more about the field of archaeology and gaining real-world experience as they process artifacts recovered from sites that were discovered during the construction of Interstate 476. This opportunity is a result of a two-year partnership between our department and Commonwealth Heritage Group, a heritage management and consulting firm.
Student shares research in guest lecture
In December, sociology student Syria Aaron delivered a guest lecture in Dr. Karin E. Gedge’s WOS 225 (Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies) course based on her research on sex trafficking. Titled “The Deliverance Militia: Aiding Sex Trafficking Victims in Philadelphia,” Syria’s lecture helped students understand concepts related to sex trafficking and included an interactive exercise that illustrated victims’ difficult realities. Dr. Gedge said Syria’s lecture “helped the students see that this is not just an academic subject … it is alive and real in our own cities.” Congratulations, Syria, and thank you for sharing your important research!
Magazine profiles exhibit in department museum
The December issue of West Chester Living magazine profiles the student-curated exhibit “Rwanda Nziza: Beautiful Rwanda," which is currently on display in the department's Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology.
Student writes about summer excavation
The October issue of West Chester Living magazine includes a piece written by anthropology major Emily Rodden , who spent last summer excavating a pre-Imperial villa in the Roman Forum.
Anthropology student interns at museum
Anthropology student Kristen LaPorte is learning a lot and gaining valuable job experience as an intern at the Delaware Natural History Museum in Wilmington.
Anthropologist presents keynote address
Anthropologist Dr. Michael A. Di Giovine presented the keynote address in September at the European Union-funded conference “Europe and the Orient: Past Encounters, Heritage, and Present-Day Interactions” in Sofia, Bulgaria. In his keynote address, titled “The Seduction or Creation of Otherness? Tourism, the Orient, and UNESCO’s World Heritage Program,” Dr. Di Giovine examined the Orientalist underpinnings of UNESCO’s World Heritage Program, its reliance on the seductive qualities of Otherness, and the ways in which “Europeanness” is engaged with in post-Soviet Eastern Europe.
Field school participant publishes magazine article
Jena Wood, who earned her M.S. in nutrition at WCU, wrote about her experience as a participant on anthropologist Dr. Michael A. Di Giovine’s ethnographic field school to Perugia, Italy. The piece , which was published in the September issue of West Chester Living magazine, describes the qualitative research she conducted at sustainable farms and vineyards as part of the department’s program. Jena said the skills she learned have helped her as a professional dietician for Shop Rite, as well as in her consulting practice.
Sociologist receives award named for late faculty member
Sociologist Dr. Jacqueline Zalewski was presented with the Leigh S. Shaffer Award in September at the National Academic Advising Association global conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The award is named for the late Dr. Leigh S. Shaffer, who was a longtime member of our departmental faculty, and it recognizes scholarly contributions published in the NACADA Journal that significantly advance the field of academic advising. This year's award recognized a 2010 article that Dr. Zalewski published with Dr. Shaffer and Dr. John Leveille titled "The Professionalization of Academic Advising: Where Are We in 2010?"
Three sociologists authored or co-authored recent books
Three sociology faculty members have separately authored or co-authored books published within the last year. Dr. Jacqueline Zalewski's book, Working Lives and in-House Outsourcing: Chewed-Up by Two Masters, was released this fall and offers a sociological account of the process by which companies have instituted and continue to institute outsourcing in their organization. Dr. Julie Wiest co-authored The Allure of Premeditated Murder: Why Some People Plan to Kill, which was released this fall and explains the reasons behind common motivations for premeditated murder, as well as the most promising solutions for prevention. Dr. John Leveille's book, Searching for Marx in the Occupy Movement, was published late last year and uses ethnographic findings from the Occupy Philadelphia movement to situate the Occupy movement in the larger context of social movement literature.
Anthropologist receives grant for Delaware Bay research
Anthropologist Dr. Heather Wholey, an archaeologist, and colleague Daria Nikitina, who is a coastal geologist in the WCU Department of Earth and Space Sciences, received a National Geographic Explorers grant for their project "Geoarchaeological Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Heritage Resources of the Delaware Estuary." The pair will conduct fieldwork to assess the effects of sea level rise and associated environmental changes on the cultural resources (archaeological sites, historic properties, and cultural landmarks) of the Delaware Bay, which is the second-largest estuary along the east coast of North America. The fall 2018 edition of West Chester University Magazine includes a story (see page 4) with additional information. Congratulations, Drs. Wholey and Nikitina!
Sociology faculty, Alum Catch Up at Conference
Dr. Jackie Zalewski had the opportunity to catch up with sociology alumnus Harvey L. Nicholson (BA, 2014), now a Ph.D. candidate in sociology at the University of Central Florida, at the recent annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Social Problems. The conference was held in Philadelphia this year, and Harvey presented research from a co-authored paper titled "Disability Status and Prescription Drug Misuse among U.S. Adults." In other conference sessions, Dr. Zalewski presented "'Trading in Human Beings on Behalf of Cost Reduction': Precarity in Jobs, Work Relations, and Meaning with In-house Outsourcing," and Dr. Sebastian Guzman presented "Reducing Default Rates, the Wealth Gap, and Inequality in Access to Housing by Lending Pension Funds." Congratulations to all!Spring 2018
Faculty-Student Pair Discuss Teaching Tool
Sociologist Dr. Jacqueline M. Zalewski and sociology student Syria Aaron participated on a faculty-and-student panel May 23 at the WCU Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching's spring workshop "Inquiry as a Tool for Modern Teaching and Learning." As part of their participation, they discussed a process of "free inquiry" that Syria completed for an independent study examining sex trafficking during the spring semester, as well as the benefits of inquiry-based teaching and learning for students.
Museum Exhibit Gets News Coverage
Department faculty and students were featured in a Daily Local News story about the newest exhibit in our Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology (located in the atrium of Old Library). Read about the Museum Exhibit.
Students Get Grant for Colombia Research
Anthropology and Latin American Studies students Caitlyn Handlin and Aaron Gallant received an Undergraduate Summer Research Grant from the Greater Philadelphia Latin American Studies Consortium (GPLASC). They will travel to Medellin, Colombia, this summer and conduct research with anthropologist Dr. Leon Arredondo on local protest movements.
Student Presents Sex Trafficking Study
Sociology major Syria Aaron presented her research project "Save Our Girls: Sex Trafficking in the U.S." at Spring Research Day, which was held by the WCU Office of Research and Sponsored Programs in April. Her project draws attention to an important and timely issue while highlighting knowledge that can help save the lives of young women. Great job, Syria!
Students Win Award for Facebook Study
Graduating seniors in sociology Tyler Rutherford and Sara Wolfgang won third place in the "Social Sciences and Mathematics" category at the 2018 College of the Sciences and Mathematics Poster Session. Their study, "Identity Through a Single Image: A Study on Identity Representation Through Facebook Profile Pictures," was completed as part of their Senior Seminar course. Congratulations, Tyler and Sara!
Students Hold Event on School Funding Equity
On April 16, students in sociologist Dr. Sebastian Guzman's Applied Social Change class held the event "School Funding Inequity: Why Doesn't Pennsylvania Value all of its Children?" The guest speaker was Will Fuller, an organizer with POWER, an interfaith coalition working on several social justice campaigns in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Students and Mr. Fuller talked about how the state gives more funds than needed to prominently White school districts and less funding to school districts with more minority students. They also talked about their campaign to have a fair distribution of education funds according to each district's need. The event was part of the students' community-engagement work.
WCU anthropology in the media
WCU anthropologist Dr. Michael Di Giovine was quoted in a recent article in The Economist, titled "A symbolic struggle over ancient manuscripts: The Garima Gospels exemplify a wider conflict over heritage and conservation."In addition, anthropology major Emily Rodden recently published an article in WCU's The Quad newspaper titled "Human rights and the Sonoran Desert." It is the first in a five-part series on Borderlinks and Mexican Migration that she wrote in conjunction with her independent study and the department's previous museum exhibit (located in the Old Library Atrium). Congratulations, Emily!
Sociology Students Attend Conference
Students in the Sociology Club and the AKD honor society traveled to Baltimore in February for the 2018 annual meeting of the Eastern Sociological Society. Several went to attend sessions and meet other sociology faculty members and students from the region. Sociology senior Tyler Walton, who received an AKD Travel Grant for the conference, pulled double-duty as an attendee and a presenter: His research project "Divide and Profit: Mainstreaming Hate to Secure Viewership" was part of the Undergraduate Posters session. In addition, faculty member Dr. Jacqueline Zalewski gave two presentations: "‘Trading In Human Beings on Behalf of Cost Reduction': An Introduction to in-House Outsourcing and Why Companies Outsource" and (with a co-author) "Team-based learning: The role of student behaviors and team processes." Congratulations to all!
Student earns scholarship for workshop in Alaska
Graduating anthropology major Taria Montes-Rivera has been awarded a National Preservation Institute scholarship to attend the NAGPRA Essentials training workshop April 16-18 in Anchorage, Alaska. This workshop reviews the compliance process for the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) for Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, federal agencies, and museums. It provides an overview of NAGPRA statute and regulations; addresses tools for compliance such as national NAGPRA databases and other resources; reviews tools for determining cultural affiliation through case studies; and addresses the role of culturally unidentifiable remains in repatriation.Fall 2017
Sociology students carve for a cause
Members of Sociology Club and Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta (international sociology honor society) participated in WCU's Jack-O-Lantern contest in October. The fundraiser supports the WCU Resource Pantry, which provides food items, school supplies, clothing, and other assistance to meet student needs.
Sociologist discusses student movement
Sociologist Dr. Sebastián G. Guzmán presented "Chilean Students' Struggle for the Right to Free Higher Education" in November as part of the Department Symposium Series: Conversations on Social and Human Inquiry. Dr. Guzmán has studied social movements struggling against inequality, including those focused on social rights (such as housing and education) and debt resistance in Chile.
Professor Lectures on Sustainable Tourism
In honor of the United Nations' World Sustainable Tourism Day on Sept. 27, anthropologist Dr. Michael A. Di Giovine delivered the invited lecture "Can Tourism Be Sustainable? Heritage Preservation and Indigenous Empowerment in an Era of Mass Global Travel" as part of WCU's Office of Sustainability lecture series. The Sustainability Research Seminar features "a dozen WCU scholars from a dozen academic fields presenting their research on topics that deepen our understanding of concepts and applications of environmental, social and economic sustainability." Dr. Di Giovine spoke on both the pressures of mass tourism—including tourism gentrification and stresses on sustainable use of resources—as well as the opportunities of indigenous empowerment, valorization and awareness-raising that come with tourism development. More detail on the talk can be found in this article in The Quad, WCU's studentProfessor Lectures on Sustainable Tourism
In honor of the United Nations' World Sustainable Tourism Day on Sept. 27, anthropologist Dr. Michael A. Di Giovine delivered the invited lecture "Can Tourism Be Sustainable? Heritage Preservation and Indigenous Empowerment in an Era of Mass Global Travel" as part of WCU's Office of Sustainability lecture series. The Sustainability Research Seminar features "a dozen WCU scholars from a dozen academic fields presenting their research on topics that deepen our understanding of concepts and applications of environmental, social and economic sustainability." Dr. Di Giovine spoke on both the pressures of mass tourism—including tourism gentrification and stresses on sustainable use of resources—as well as the opportunities of indigenous empowerment, valorization and awareness-raising that come with tourism development. More detail on the talk can be found in this article in The Quad, WCU's student
Professor Presents Violence Research
As part of the Department of Anthropology & Sociology Symposium Series "Conversations on Social and Human Inquiry," sociologist Dr. Julie Wiestpresented her research project "The Appeal of Cinematic Violence: Effects of Gender, Age, and Torture." The co-authored study used an experimental design with a sample of nearly 700 U.S. adults to explore public fascination with serial murder storylines in film, with the aim of better understanding violent content in film. Sociology student Tyler Walton also assisted with data analysis for the project
Panelists Discuss "Difficult" Monuments
On September 5, the Anthropology Club hosted a special expert panel on negotiating public history and cultural preservation in the wake of Charlottesville. The engaging discussion featured Dr. Teresita Majewski, Vice President of Statistical Research Inc. and President of the American Cultural Resources Association. Joining her were two WCU professors: Dr. Michael A. Di Giovine, Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Convener of the Anthropology of Tourism Interest Group at the American Anthropological Association, and Dr. Janneken Smucker, Associate Professor of History. The panelists discussed the complexities of memorialization and preservation, reminding students that monuments are products of their time and that their meanings and uses change as cultural values change. Video of the Discussion
Migrant Trail Photographer Visits
On September 14, award-winning social documentary photographer Michael Hyatt gave students a moving presentation on his ongoing black and white photographic series, The Migrant Trail. As an artist/activist, Michael has devoted his creative time to some of the leading social issues in American life. A longtime resident of Tucson, Arizona, the issue closest to home has been advocating for protecting the lives of migrants on the U.S./Mexico border and efforts to prevent deaths in the Sonora Desert. Through his activism and photographic efforts, he works to raise awareness and inspire solutions to the deadly humanitarian crisis along the migrant trail. This special talk was sponsored by the Ethnic Studies Institute and the Anthropology Club, in conjunction with the Department of Anthropology and Sociology's exhibit Human Rights in Latin America, 1967-2017. Visitors can see his collection currently on display in this exhibit in the Old Library Atrium Museum, 775 S. Church Street.
Professor Presents Outsourcing Research
Dr. Jacqueline Zalewski presented a research poster entitled "'It All Revolved Around Numbers': Greater Commodification of the Work and Culture with Outsourcing" at the 69th annual Labor and Employment Relations Association conference in Anaheim, CA.
Faculty and Students Celebrate End of Year
Department faculty and students gathered in May to celebrate the end of the school year, to congratulate our graduating students, and to induct new members into our two honor societies. The sociology honor society, Alpha Kappa Delta, is advised by Dr. Julie Wiest, and the anthropology honor society, Lambda Alpha Nu, is advised by Dr. Heather Wholey.
Spring 2017
Newspaper Publishes Student's Letter
A letter to the editor written by Helen Sdao, a student in Dr. Jackie Zalewski's "Introduction to Sociology" (SOC 200) class this spring, was published in the April 24 edition of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Titled "Pa. on right track with marijuana," the letter is about the legalization of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. For Dr. Zalewski's class, students work in groups to research a social problem and then offer critical analysis and recommended solutions.
Interns use tools of the trade
Anthropology students Liz Strauss and Heather Davis are interns at Sadsbury Friends Meeting. In this April photo, they are using ground penetrating radar as part of their work.
Sociology student presents at Research Day
Sociology student Morgan Reimers presented a research poster titled "College for Military Students: A Comparison of Student Life at Two Universities for Active Military and Veteran Students" at the Spring 2017 Research Day on March 28. In one photo, Morgan is explaining her research project to Dr. Jen Bacon; in the other, she is standing with one of her professors, sociologist Dr. Jackie Zalewski.
Students present work at conference
Three anthropology students presented work at the Middle Atlantic Archaeological Conference at Virginia Beach on March 18. Kyle Knox and Melanie Flynnpresented posters on the predicted impacts of sea level rise on cultural resources on the Delaware Bay. Both were selected as winners of the student poster competition! (Judges felt it was unfair to choose just one student, since their work was so closely related.) In addition, Rachael Marks presented her paper on archaeology and preservation initiatives at the Allee House, an 18th century Huguenot settlement along the Delaware Bay. Congratulations to Kyle, Melanie, and Rachael!
Anthropology students take field trip
Dr. Heather Wholey took students in her Archaeological Lab Methods course to the New Jersey State Museum on March 10. While there, they had the opportunity to use the handheld xrf (x-ray florescence) instrument to collect geochemical data from artifacts to assist in connecting them to source locations. Pictured are students Rob Heintz and Deryn Fink.
Faculty and students attend sociology conference
Several faculty members and students attended the 2017 Eastern Sociological Society annual meeting, held in February in Philadelphia. On Feb. 23, Dr. Jacqueline Zalewski presented in (and impromptu presided over) the "Responses to Precarity" session her paper "Betrayed, Sold, and Rebadged to Outsourcing Companies." On Feb. 24, Dr. Zalewski and Dr. Miguel Ceballos presented in the "Education and Beyond" session their paper "Where Do Our Majors Go: A Longitudinal Study of the Careers of Undergraduate Sociology Majors." And on Feb. 25, Dr. Julie B. Wiest served as a panelist for the workshop "Best Practices for Cultivating and Maintaining a Professional Digital Identity."
Faculty present on National Anthropology Day
Anthropology faculty members led a roundtable discussion on "Anthropology for Complicated Times: Insights on U.S. Political Changes" as part of National Anthropology Day on February 17. Presenters, from left, are: Dr. Michael A. Di Giovine, "Alterative Facts, Alternative Interpretations, Alternative Truths"; Dr. Sergio Gonzalez-Varela, "Cultural Complexities of the Mexico-US Border"; Dr. Leon Arredondo, "The Politics of Fear: Lessons from US Drug Policy"; Dr. Heather Wholey, "Earth Stewardship: Archaeology, Conservation and Environmental Policy"; and Dr. Paul Stoller, "Ethnography as Resistance." Moderators were students Rachael Marks, president of Anthropology Club, and Deryn Fink, president of Lambda Alpha Nu Honor Society.
Anthropology major gets scholarship award
Anthropology major Taria Rivera-Montes has received a $1,000 scholarship award from the West Chester New Century Club, which is facilitated by the WCU Foundation. Each year, the New Century Club awards five $1,000 scholarships to a third- or fourth-year nontraditional female student enrolled in one of WCU's five colleges. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required, and the student must demonstrate financial need. Congratulations, Taria!Fall 2016
Professor gives radio interview
Dr. Michael Di Giovine discussed UNESCO's World Heritage program on WBEZ Chicago's "Worldview" with Jerome McDonnell on Oct. 18.Listen here.
Students learn on location
This is Archeology and Environment students on 10/1 class field trip to the Delaware coast and bay at the Indian River Inlet. Left to right is Rachael Marks, Wendy Bullis, Melanie Flynn, Kyle Knox, Deryn Fink, and Heather Davis.
Getting down with dinosaurs
Anthropology major Cassie O'Brien, an intern at the Delaware Natural History Museum, got to attend the museum's recent gala featuring dinosaurs.
Anthropology student gets hands-on experience
Rachael Marks uses an illuminated magnifier at the Archaeology and Environment seminar at Maryland archaeobotony lab on Sept. 23.
Public outreach and education
Anthropology student Heather Davis provided public outreach and education at the 4th Annual Delaware County Archaeology Festival on Sept. 17.
2016 Summer Field School
Anthropology students participated in the 2016 summer archaeology field school at the ChesLen Preserve in Chester County, PA. Pictured from left are Dylan Miner, Adam Shubert, Rachael Marks, Melanie Flynn (absent, but represented by the diabase stone), Cassie O'Brien, Mike Gruber, Deryn Fink, Wendi Bullis, Alex Hajdu, Jackie Wanjek, and Heather Davis.Spring 2016
End-of-year celebration
The department held a reception on May 4 to celebrate its graduating students and honor retiring faculty member Dr. Bonita Freeman-Whitthoft. Dr. Michael Di Giovine and Dr. Bonita Freeman-Whitthoft presented the Outstanding Graduating Anthropology Student Award to Erica Walters. Erica is graduating from WCU summa cum laude. She has conducted fieldwork in Greece, Italy, Colombia, and Stowe and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on topics ranging from linguistics landscaping, Pilgrimage and Devotion to St. Padre Pio, collective action in Colombia, gay men and identity management, and Vietnamese immigration and nail salons. Erica is currently president of the Anthropology Club and vice president of the Anthropology National Honors Society, Lambda Alpha Nu. She presented her research at this year's WCU Research Day, and last year at the PASSHE 2015 Conference at Bloomsburg, the WCU Latin American Studies Conference, and the 2015 American Anthropological Association Annual Meetings. Dr. Julie Wiest presented the Outstanding Graduating Sociology Student Award to Heather Welsh. Heather has been accepted to the University of Delaware Sociology Graduate Program with a full tuition scholarship and stipend for graduate study. While at WCU, she was a research assistant on two different projects with professors. Heather has presented posters of her research on gendered messages on campus media and youth mentoring at the Eastern Sociological Society Annual Meetings the past two years. She also presented a poster on the careers of WCU sociology majors last year at the Fall Research Day. Heather is currently president of the Sociology Club, a member of Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society, and secretary of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society Middle States Regional Alumni Association. She has also been a volunteer for The One Less Foundation in Philadelphia.
Outstanding graduating student awards
Dr. Susan Johnston, Dr. Bonita Freeman-Whitthoft, and Dr. Julie Wiest presented the department's Outstanding Graduating Student Awards to Erica Walters and Heather Welsh at the College of Arts and Sciences Student Recognition Ceremony on April 25. Heather was also recognized by Dean Lori Vermeulen as a CAS Research Award recipient.
Student elected to professional organization role
Student Deryn Fink has just been elected Undergraduate Student Representative to the Middle Atlantic Archaeological Conference.
PASSHE Undergraduate Anthropology Research Conference
The PASSHE Undergraduate Anthropology Research Conference was held April 22-23 at California University of Pennsylvania. Our department was well-represented, with 7 student paper presentations and 3 student posters!
Undergraduate Research at the Capitol conference
Students Samantha Jeune and Christa Rivers, who both work with Dr. Lisa Ruchti, presented a poster, "Success at a Price: Women of Color College Students," in April at Undergraduate Research at the Capitol conference.
Eastern Sociological Society Annual Meeting
Sociology majors Heather Welsh, Sara Wolfgang, Tom Hoertz, and Brendon Riley attended the Eastern Sociological Society annual meeting in Boston in March. Welsh presented a research poster, and sociology professor Dr. Julie Wiest presented a research paper as part of the Digital Sociology mini-conference.
Fear, Fraud, and Frank Complexities: The Influence of Gender on Human Trafficking
Dr. Lisa Ruchti was invited to participate in a high school student-led conference on human trafficking in Brooklyn based on her study "Fear, Fraud, and Frank Complexities: The Influence of Gender on Human Trafficking," which was published as a chapter in Human Trafficking Interdisciplinary Perspectives (2013, Routledge).
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Anthropology students James Kresge and Rachael Marks worked on an archaeology survey in the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge over winter break.Fall 2015
Princess fixation: Let it go
Students in Dr. Jackie Zalewski's SOC 200 class wrote letters to the editor this semester about topics related to social problems. Congratulations to student Rhiannon Schroepfer, whose letter, "Princess fixation: Let it go," was published Dec. 10 in the Philadelphia Inquirer!
Presidential Awards Ceremony at the American Anthropological Association
Congratulations to Dr. Paul Stoller and Dr. Michael Di Giovine, who were recognized for their accomplishments at the first Presidential Awards Ceremony at the American Anthropological Association's annual meeting, held in Denver this November. Dr. Stoller received the prestigious Anthropology in the Media award, which was presented by AAA President Monica Heller, who especially complimented his versatile work, including the evocative books he writes and the public anthropology blog he maintains on The Huffington Post. Dr. Di Giovine was recognized for his work on the president's Task Force on Cultural Heritage.
Research Day
Several department students participated in the university's Research Day on Nov. 10, including sociology students Heather Welsh and Mollie McElroy, who presented a poster, "Where Do Our Majors Go? Knowledge That Can Help Shape Curriculum Planning, Academic and Career Advising, and Pedagogy in Sociology."
Women's Leadership Conference
More than 100 students, including sociology major Andrea Koch and sociology minor Leah Okunoye, participated in WCU's inaugural Women's Leadership Conference on Nov. 7. Dr. Julie B. Wiest helped plan and run the event, along with Women's Center Director Alicia Hahn-Murphy and Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Involvement Jackie Aliotta. Dr. Lisa Ruchti led a group discussion at the end of the conference to help attendees reflect on their experiences and look toward the future.
National Park Service
Anthropology students Deryn Fink and Heather Davis assisted with National Park Service excavations on Nov. 6 at an 18th-century site in the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. They will be working on the project through December.Lambda Alpha Nu
Lambda Alpha Nu, our chapter of the Anthropology Honors Society, has been selected as November's University Excellence Organization for members' work organizing and executing the clothing drive called "Layers for Liberia." They were able to fill more than six 55-gallon fiber barrels with clothing for children and adults. In addition, with help from Rotary International (West Grove/Avondale and Longwood divisions), the students have nearly met their goal of covering the shipping and duty costs of clothes collected. In addition, several members were interviewed for the Nov. 16 edition of the campus TV show "WCU Weekly." (the interview begins at 9:54).
Social Innovation in a Digital Context
As part of the second-annual Social Innovation in a Digital Context event, 13 social and digital innovators from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, along with two U.S. scholars, discussed projects they developed that use digital technologies to promote sociopolitical change. The event was held Oct. 16 at the PASSHE @ Center City campus in downtown Philadelphia and was organized by Dr. Julie B. Wiest and Dr. Miguel Ceballos in partnership with Lund University in Sweden. Dozens of WCUPA students were in attendance.Liberia
Graduate student Mohammed Kaba is heading to Liberia in December to distribute clothing and monetary contributions recently collected on campus. In addition, he has set up a GoFundMe account to raise money for shipping barrels for the clothing donations and to pay for international shipping costs to Liberia.
Newlin Grist Mill
Anthropology students got some great field experience on Sept. 19 by excavating at a public archaeology event at the Newlin Grist Mill in Glen Mills, PA.National Center for Padre Pio
The Graduate School, in conjunction with the College of Arts and Sciences, awarded funds to Dr. Michael Di Giovine to hire Mohammed D. Kaba, a recent anthropology alumnus and current graduate student in public health, as his Graduate Assistant to help with ongoing research at the National Center for Padre Pio in Barto, PA. Mohammed is conducting archival and ethnographic research at the shrine, focusing on alternate healing practices associated with popular devotion to the Catholic saint.Summer 2015
Dr. Rob Lukens
The Department of Anthropology & Sociology mourns the passing on Aug. 3, 2015, of Dr. Rob Lukens, president of the Chester County Historical Society. Dr. Heather Wholey and Dr. Michael Di Giovine continue to collaborate with the CCHS on a variety of projects, including curatorial training for the department's Museum Techniques class. Dr. Di Giovine recently was featured on Dr. Lukens' radio show, "Passing Time with Dr. Rob," on WCHE 1520 AM. He will be missed.
Medellin, Columbia
Dr. Leon Arredondo traveled with anthropology students Erica Walters, Stephanie Crawford, Mark Morris, and Lech Zapata-Rotz (not pictured) during Spring and Summer 2015 to Medellin, Colombia, to conduct archival research on the history of collective social action in the city's industrial center of Itagüi. The project was funded by a grant from the West Chester University Foundation, with additional support from the Greater Philadelphia Latin American Studies Consortium. Check out a few photos from their travels:
Rwanda
Dr. Rebecca Chancellor and Dr. Aaron Rundus (psychology) led their second study abroad trip to Rwanda over the summer. Anthropology major Melissa Waltimyer was among the students who attended this year. Students even got the chance to appear on CNN, as several were interviewed for a story on community tourism in Rwanda.Spring 2015
Outstanding Graduating Anthropology and Sociology Student Awards
Congratulations to Sarah Sutton and Zack Kline, recipients of the department's Outstanding Graduating Anthropology and Sociology Student Awards! Both were honored at the College of Arts and Sciences Student Recognition Ceremony on April 27 and and in a department celebration on May 6.Outstanding Faculty Award
Two department professors were each awarded an Outstanding Faculty Award for the 2014-15 academic year from WCU's Honors College: Assistant Professor Dr. Michael Di Giovine and Adjunct Professor Dr. Sheldon Zink. Congratulations to both! Read more here.PASSHE Research Conference
Anthropology students and faculty participated in the annual PASSHE Undergraduate Anthropology Research Conference, which was held April 25-26 at Bloomsburg University. Our own Dr. Paul Stoller gave the keynote address.Philadelphia Inquirer
Students in Dr. Jackie Zalewski's SOC 200 class in the spring wrote letters to the editor on topics related to social problems. Three of their letters were published in the Philadelphia Inquirer! Two were published on April 16: Read "Right-Sizing Ads," by Sarah Babb, and "Fit Minds and Bodies Not Mutually Exclusive," by Kayla Snyder and Ralph Salamone, here. Another was published on April 30: Read "Tougher sanctions for drivers who text," by Alyssa Fallon, here.
Meet the Faculty Pizza Party
Department faculty and students enjoyed an afternoon break March 24 at the "Meet the Faculty Pizza Party," sponsored by Anthropology Club and Sociology Club. The event helped students get to know department faculty and learn about department course offerings and faculty research projects.
Chester County Historical Society
Anthropology student Sarah Alderman has been selected as the Mian A. Jan Fellow at the Chester County Historical Society. The internship involves collecting the stories, history, and artifacts of the south Asian experience (mainly Indian and Pakistani) in Chester County and will aid the historical society in including the history of the Indian and Pakistani communities in the county into the museum's permanent collections and exhibits. Congratulations, Sarah!
Eastern Sociological Society
Sociology students and faculty attended the annual meeting of the Eastern Sociological Society, held Feb. 26-March 1 in New York City. Dr. Jackie Zalewski(left) and Dr. Julie Wiest (on left in bottom right photo) presented papers, and students Zena Eleazer (top right), Zack Kline, and Heather Welsh (on right in bottom right photo) presented posters.
Nick Arnhold
Department alumnus Nick Arnhold (2010) completed his M.A. in Anthropology at the University of Kansas in May 2015, and he has been promoted to the role of archaeological field supervisor with the consulting firm URS in its Pittsburgh-area office. Congratulations, Nick!Be sure to check back often for department announcements and additional good news about our faculty and students.
See you around Old Library!