Michigan State Anthropology Undergraduate Learning Goals:
- Demonstrate how communities differently construct systems of knowledge about the natural and social world.
- Demonstrate in-depth understanding of a culture other than their own.
- Explain cultural and biological diversity across time and space
- Recognize and explain connections between local events/contexts and global dynamics.
- Connect actions of individuals to societal norms and social structure.
- Locate, extract, and evaluate data from multiple sources.
- Apply appropriate methods: to collect data in at least one subfield, to analyze data in at least one subfield, and presenting to an audience.
- Construct and argument using evidence/critical analysis.
- Identify and demonstrate ethical research standards.
ANP 201: Exploration of Identity and Migration Interview with Rei
Learning Objective 1 – In an interview with Rei, we discussed the construction of identity using citizenship as a guide. The main knowledge systems are Rei’s personal experience as a Japanese-American citizen (natural world) where they were born in Japan, but this is complicated by the social world which views them as not Japanese enough. A split identity is what I explore with Rei.
ANP 455: Gebel el-Silsila Site Report
Learning Objective 2 – In this report, I explore the archaeological site of Gebel el-Silsila. In addition, I note the cultural importance of objects, materials, and symbols in this site in relation to larger Egyptian culture and history.
ANP 410: Religion in Brazil
Learning Objective 3 – After learning more about Latin America and Brazil, I was curious about religion in Brazil and its connection to race. In this essay I consider how racial diversity connects to religion and Afro-Brazilian history (where the Brazilian government believes that race is due to biological difference). I draw information from sources about the history of Brazil and various regions.
ANP 370: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Learning Objective 4 – In a presentation alongside my peers, we discussed the background, history, and case studies of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We focus on local cases through the case studies – viewing ASD in multiple countries. Globally, we note the ‘universal’ criteria for diagnosis and general sentiment about ASD.
IAH 207: Diasporic Communities in America
Learning Objective 5 – My first interview with Rei draws from an hour-long interview we had about their life as a dual Japanese-American citizen. Like the second interview we did together, this essay explores how the actions of Rei (attending Japanese lessons and exposing themselves to Japanese culture) connect to larger societal norms in American and Japan. From food to Saturday school, Rei’s story encompasses their dual identities in a socially complex society.
ANP 489: Ethics of aDNA Research
Learning Objectives 6 & 9 – Written after deciding to research ancient genetics as a career, I explore the ethical intersections of this work. Drawing from many authors, I note the current ethical standards and where we (as anthropologists) can improve. While I do not provide a direct solution to ethical concerns, I reflect critically on the importance of each ethical concern.
Research (Andrechek and Feldbrugge)
Learning Objective 7 – Using personally collected data in cancer biology and microbiology, I analyzed the collected data and presented it. In the Andrechek lab, I studied cancer biology – collecting data on tumor sample and presenting at UURAF at MSU. In the Feldbrugge lab, I studied the Rrm4 protein (microbiology) – collecting thousands of microscopy images to analyze and present at the ACS Spring 2023 meeting.
LB 326B: Pharmaceuticals and the Greater Good
Learning Objective 8 – When I was still a pharmacology/toxicology minor, I wanted to go into drug development. One ethical dilemma I found was the unfair cost a pharmaceuticals on patients which required the drug. My critical analysis of the pharmaceutical industry (from drugs, inequality, to the FDA), explains why I believe the industry is poorly designed.
Additional Coursework of Interest
BMB 470: Generation and Confirmation of pTrc99A/topAcysB Recombinant Construct Report
STT 231: Exploration of ggplot2 Package
PHM 351: What is Sildenafil (Viagra)?
PHM 211: The Glyphosate Problem
Wikipedia Page (I wrote the primary version): Rebeca Gerschman
LB 326A: Ethics of Oncology
CMSE 201: OASDI Beneficiaries