Education
M.A., Anthropology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
B.A., Anthropology, Boise State University, Boise,
Idaho
Professional
Interests
Current: Researching the arguably universal
human belief in supernatural entities, specifically
ghosts, poltergeists, demons, and angels as
explanatory factors for positive or negative human
experiences in addition to identifying basic
similarities and differences between these entities
cross-culturally. Underlying research includes the
nature of evil, which has not yet been equilaterally
defined by social scientists or philosophers. The
project additionally focuses upon techniques used by
various cultures to manipulate or otherwise control
the supernatural.
Related: Researching the effects of primary and
secondary (direct sightings or stories of sightings
from others) beliefs in supernatural entities upon
end-stage hospice patients in terms of outlook
(positive or negative) on the disease and death
processes. Information coding includes religiosity
of the end-stage patient both before and after
primary or secondary experience. Research
appears to indicate that atheists remain atheists
while incorporating ‘ghost’ beliefs into their
worldviews.
General/Topical: Long-term interest in the
anthropology of colonialism, and the anthropology of
women, especially in terms of female pioneers and
polygynous wives in Utah and surrounding areas from
1850-current. Interest in the worldviews of such
women and mechanisms employed not only for survival
of primitive situations along the Handcart Trail and
in early Utah, but also with regard to familial
situations unique to American polygynists. Long-term
interest in genealogy and the creation of online
databases (in line with the Dept. of Anthropology,
University Nevada, Reno’s Census Project). Long-term
interest in gathering and preserving pioneer
documents such as diaries, biographies, etc. and
making them available to public free of charge in
online environment.
Courses
Taught:
