Dr. Heather McIllvane-Newsad - Western Illinois University

Sociology and Anthropology

Heather McIlvaine-Newsad, Professor of Anthropology

"The world in which you were born is just one model of reality. Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you; they are unique manifestations of the human spirit." Wade Davis

Research Interests

My research focuses on collaborative action for sustainability.

My goal is to understand biological and cultural diversity and the forces that threaten both. My research explores the conditions under which individuals come together as groups to protect what they value — whether it is a place, a language, a cultural tradition or a way of life. As an anthropologist, I operate in the public sphere, making the lessons of anthropology accessible and meaningful for all. Whether I am writing a commentary for my local Public Radio station, making teaching videos, or taking a group of students abroad, I try to live the words of Ruth Benedict who wrote that the purpose of anthropology is to make the world safe for diversity.

To view my CV, please go to my personal homepage.

Education

Ph.D., Cultural Anthropology, University of Florida, 2000
M.A., Latin American Studies, Ohio University, 1994
B.A., German, Denison University, 1990

Teaching Areas

Cultural Anthropology, Ethnography Research Methods, Gender, Environmental Anthropology, Food Systems, Disaster Anthropology, Germany, India, Puerto Rico, United States.