UNT | Applied Anthropology

I’m Dr. Doug Henry; my work seeks to understand how people treat themselves and take actions surrounding illness. One recent project worked with CDC epidemiologists to help them gain the local knowledge and insight necessary before they could conduct a larger behavioral study about HIV and risk behavior.
I’m Stephen Carlson, and I am working with farmers and gardeners to increase the sustainability of our food systems. Through the Southern Seed Legacy I am able to help preserve genetic and cultural diversity by collecting unique heirloom seeds and the stories that connect them to their unique communities.
I’m Brittany Donnelly and I’m doing research with the Protected Forest Association and Kayapo tribal members in Brazil. I help these two groups reach their goals of protecting indigenous territory against illegal logging, mining, and ranching.
I’m Geoff Garbina and my research connects at-risk high school students with local NGOs so they can receive internships, education, and vocational training in environmental fields. Ultimately, these connections can improve the environment and the health of communities and individuals.
I’m Dr. Lisa Henry, and I work with the American Association of Physician Assistants to analyze the role of Physician Assistants (PA's) in medically under-served community health centers. This research will be used as a tool for PA educators to help direct PA graduates into successful practice placements. It will also be used as a resource for health policy analysts in identifying factors likely to attract PA's to work in under-served communities.
I'm Dr. Ann Jordan, and I have recently worked in Saudi Arabia where I conducted a study of a hospital as a complex organization. I also studied culture change and globalization in Saudi Arabia.
I’m Dr. Christina Wasson, and I work with companies like Motorola to conduct design research that will inform future media services and devices. For instance, my 2011 design anthropology class conducted ethnographic research on how people use media in the kitchen.
I’m Whitney Williams and I teach high school English, ESL, and Reading. In my work with students of all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, I’m interested in how our reading program can effectively benefit second language learners, students with learning disabilities, and students reading below level.
I’m Jennifer Roglà. I use anthropology to facilitate international partnerships for UNT around the globe that both lead to and support innovative faculty research collaborations in every discipline, visiting scholars and lecturers coming to UNT, study abroad opportunities and degree options for students, and an increased number of international students at UNT that help diversify our campus.
I'm Sarah Cardenas. I am interested in understanding the health needs of international missionaries serving in Papua New Guinea. This knowledge will strengthen current efforts to promote health among this diverse community.
I'm Matt Baline and I work to improve the design of websites, games, and applications. I focus on understanding how people actually live, work, and play in order to create experiences that they will love to use.
I’m Dr. Susan Squires. Before joining UNT, I worked in the technology sector creating innovative product solutions based on customer insights research. Some of the products I helped create include easy-to-use Tele-Care communications devices for older adults. In my courses at UNT I am sharing my experiences and knowledge using “real-life” research projects sponsored by companies such as Pitney Bowes and American Heart Association.
I’m Dr. Marisa Abbe, and I work for Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, one of three Level 1 Trauma Centers in Texas. Our research seeks to understand the injuries that bring children to the hospital. We also develop community educational interventions to prevent injuries from happening.
I’m Dr. Mariela Nuñez-Janes, and my research helps youth tell their stories. I work with teachers, students, and activists to create and promote educational practices that empower Latino and underrepresented young people.
I’m Dr. Pankaj Jain. I am interested in exploring the connections between religious traditions and sustainability in India and the Indian diaspora in North America.
I’m Kelly Moran, and I work for a national health care alliance that helps hospitals meet government standards for care delivery. Our efforts in understanding the performance implications of workplace culture have measurably improved the quality and safety of U.S. hospitals.
I’m Kim Menier. I am working to understand the acceptance and use of electronic health records. These records will be very important to the future of health care in the U.S. My research focuses on finding any barriers to acceptance and use, as well as what can be done to correct these issues.
I’m Nancy Gillis and I am working with a local food bank to better understand the needs of their mobile pantry clients. This research will be useful in providing appropriate services for families experiencing food insecurity.
I’m Dr. Alicia Re Cruz and I work with indigenous migrants in Mexico, Latino immigrants in Texas, and recent immigrants in Spain. My focus in applied projects range from helping asylum seekers make their court cases to assessing educational policy in the classroom.
I'm Yumiko Akimoto. I have conducted a community-based public health needs assessment on intimate partner violence against women for a Mexico-based non-profit organization. The results are intended to help the organization develop future interventions.
I’m Dr. Jonathan S. Tomhave (Hidatsa, Ho Chunk, Prairie Band Pottawatomie), I have a joint appointment in Anthropology and Radio, Television, and Film, and I am working on an anthropologic video with the Colville Tribe. This anthropological video focuses on their struggle to continue to have the right to harvest local, native plants that have been a mainstay in their diet for thousands of years.
I’m Herman Abuchowski, and I am interning with a non-profit organization in Dallas. My current research is determining the potential for a partnership program to aid veterans in the transition from military to civilian life.