After I submitted my written qualifying exams, I mostly didn’t think about them at all for 10 days. I returned to my essays, though, to prepare for my in-person defense, held two weeks after I sent in my answers. The defense (sometimes called a viva) is a meeting of the PhD student and all their…
Going on Reality TV – For Research!
As a Fulbright Scholar in Germany, I have two goals: Gather data on food in Germany so I can write my dissertation. Fulfill the Fulbright mission of increasing mutual understanding by connecting Americans with people all over the world. I didn’t expect to meet these goals by going on TV, but I have in fact…
How to Take Qualifying Exams
Having just finished my Qualifying Exams, I’m eager to share my process with anyone to whom it may be of use! There is no one right way to take exams, this is just how I did it. What are Qualifying Exams? Also called Comprehensive Exams, Orals, or Field Exams, Qualifying Exams are the last and…
Is Talk Cheap? My podcast on language + value
Those with the gift of gab know that talk is not cheap – the right phrase at the right time can be profitable or prestigious. In a series of three podcasts coming out now, my co-host (and advisor!) Dr. Kate Graber and I explore how language is or can be valued or valuable. These podcasts…
Looks are everything: my photo essay in Anthropology News
Scoot on over to Anthropology News to check out my newest photo essay, featuring Polaroid photographs I took at Christmas markets in Germany in December, 2023. Each photo features a food from the market, but some of the photos are of vegan foods, and some of foods made with meat and other animal products. Can…
