2005 Student Field Projects

2005 Student Projects

Ellen Anderson -

Uba Backonja -
I graduated this past spring from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.S. in Anthropology, with an emphasis on biological anthro. Because of my interest in hominid evolution, population genetics, diet, and medicine, I plan on getting a Masters and a PhD in Public Health in order to research human health from an evolutionary perspective and to use this information for preventative medicine. Until I plunge into this I am taking one or two years off to volunteer at medical and health facilities within the U.S. and globally, including helping as a disaster relief volunteer for the Red Cross. Before I came to the Solomons, I had multiple study-abroad experiences but no field experience. I could not have asked for a better program as my initiation into this type of research. From what I saw, the people I met, and the political and cultural tapestry that was laid before me, I now have an idea—and the spark to follow through with it—of what I want to do in grad school and professionally. The things that left the biggest impression on me were the people, both from the Islands and from the program, and the location. Plus, it's not bad having snapper and tuna that we just pulled up a few hours beforehand...

Mia Brown -

Angela Fa'anunu -

David Forest

Heather Lazrus - I am currently a graduate student in Environmental Anthropology at the University of Washington in Seattle. In my dissertation research I am investigating cultural and political impacts of global climate change on small scale societies. As well as the Solomon Islands, I have field experience in Alaska, the West Coast of the US, New Zealand, and Tuvalu. Along with memories of magical landscapes, skyskapes, and seascapes, the Field School and the village of Baraulu have left me with the lasting impression of the value of communities and experts working together on projects such as marine protected areas. My field project focused on traditional knowledge of fishing seasons.

Livingstone Maneo

Michelle Norman

Alex Racelis - As a field school student, Alex studied religious community forestry among
three communities in the Roviana Lagoon, documenting the social incentives for participation. He also helped rescue post-doc Matt Lauer from permanent damage to his hand from a novice fishing accident, although did not help much in emotional recuperation Currently, Alex is a doctoral student at the University of California, Santa
Cruz. His dissertation research focuses on the ecological consequences and
socioeconomic potential of the commercialization of minor forest products.

Rebecca Ryd- I'm interested in intercultural encounters and the group dynamics and social organization of ex-colonial societies. My research project in Baraulu was about the CFC and how it as a very powerful institution shapes the people's cultural identity and affects social organization in the village and the area. I study psychology at Copenhagen University and this was my first field experience, but what an experience it was. The best thing with the field school was the cultural experience and the things I learnt about intercultural meetings. Apart from that, I was amazed by the fantastic natural beauty of the Solomons and the adventures I experienced there. And I couldn't stress it too much, our group, wonderful friendship and companionship.	Olivia Smith - I am originally from the small town of Bayou Vista in southern Louisiana. I attend Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, and will receive my bachelor's degree in May 2006. My primary research focus is on spotted and alligator garfish ecology in southeastern Louisiana. I have also researched the effects of increased nutrient supply on phytoplankton in one of Louisiana's important estuaries and have participated in an annual research cruise to test the hypoxia levels of the Gulf of Mexico. My favorite aspect of the Solomon Islands field school cannot be narrowed down to one thing. I loved simply talking to my host family and other people in the village at night besides a lantern with everyone exchanging stories. The snorkeling trips were spectacular with the most beautiful coral reefs I have ever seen, and water skiing at Lola and driving Shankar's boat were a plus, too!	Erika Stein - Although living on the Big Island of Hawaii at present, Erika is due to finish her Masters degree in Maritime Archaeology at James Cook University in Queensland, Australia this December 2005. Some of Erika’s previous field work includes Maya archaeology in the Yucatan, Cultural Resource Management in Southern California, Australian Aboriginal archaeology with the Wulgurukaba, and a WWII plane wreck project in Queensland. Erika’s research focus is reflected by the opportunities allowed to her by the Pacific Islands Field Training Program; she is particularly interested in heritage management and the archaeology of the South Pacific. Her research for the PIFTP is, ‘Exploring Islander Perceptions of WWII Remnants: Salvaging, Re-Use, and Tourism Potential in Roviana Lagoon’. Aside from meeting the many wonderful Roviana people and students of the PIFTP, Erika most valued taking part in applied anthropology in action.

Robbie Thomas	Waipuna Trask - I attend Pima Community College and plan on transferring next fall to UCSB. I am an anthropology major and have a large interest in cultural anthropology and gender studies. My time in the Solomon Islands started off my field experience. My research project was on Gender Roles in the Christian Fellowship Church. I come from the island of Kauai and have traveled to many wonderful places. I found that the Solomon Islands are the most beautiful by far, and that the people are what make it such an amazing experience. Oh, and the fishing is great!	Liz Wilson - I am originally from Portland, Oregon but am currently a Masters student in the International Studies Dept. at the University of Wyoming. My research interests focus on the interface between social and ecological perspectives on common-pool resources and food security- particularly subsistence-level fishing in coastal areas. As for my favorite part of the field school- I thought the whole experience was absolutely incredible!

Cowries