"Melissa has this wonderful way of uniting her expertise with the ability to genuinely connect and inspire deep aspirations."
I am curious about culture and human diversity and interested in the responsibilities we have as humans to the places we live and to each other. Fields dedicated to positive transformation, anthropology and education are imbued with spirit. I call spirit that wholeheartedness and mindfulness that permeates my work in the classroom, one-on-one mentoring and consulting, and writing.
I use ethnographic research to understand the power of culture and it grounds me in the education of lived experience. I have conducted research in Papua New Guinea, Armenia, Southern California, and New York City. I have also conducted short-term research visits in locations including Saxman, Alaska. My doctorate research investigated the role that memory of genocide plays in Armenian American youth identity in the Los Angeles area. Survivorship is one of the main themes of my research with an impact on my teaching.
I employ an eclectic perspective, whether leading an ethnographic poetry workshop or teaching Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion. Prior to earning a PhD in Anthropology from University of California, Riverside (2013), I obtained a MA degree in Theology (2002).
I work as Associate Professor and Faculty Chair of the Anthropology Department at San Bernardino Valley College. I am a 2020-21 Fellow in Stanford University's EPIC Community College Fellowship Program, where my project involves creating Global Studies curriculum.
I use ethnographic research to understand the power of culture and it grounds me in the education of lived experience. I have conducted research in Papua New Guinea, Armenia, Southern California, and New York City. I have also conducted short-term research visits in locations including Saxman, Alaska. My doctorate research investigated the role that memory of genocide plays in Armenian American youth identity in the Los Angeles area. Survivorship is one of the main themes of my research with an impact on my teaching.
I employ an eclectic perspective, whether leading an ethnographic poetry workshop or teaching Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion. Prior to earning a PhD in Anthropology from University of California, Riverside (2013), I obtained a MA degree in Theology (2002).
I work as Associate Professor and Faculty Chair of the Anthropology Department at San Bernardino Valley College. I am a 2020-21 Fellow in Stanford University's EPIC Community College Fellowship Program, where my project involves creating Global Studies curriculum.