Brenda Maiale

Brenda Maiale is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where she has been a faculty member since 2006. She is affiliated with the Department of Anthropology within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and is based in Stern Hall.

Her research interests include:

• Cultural Anthropology
• Gender and subjectivities in Latin America
• Migration and economic relations in Oaxaca, Mexico
• Traditional dress and fiesta practices among the Zapotec
• Identity formation among adoptees in the U.S.
• Enculturation and embodiment in transnational families

She teaches a range of courses such as Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, Environment and Culture, Peoples and Cultures of Latin America, and Ethnographic Research Methods. Her fieldwork in Oaxaca spans over a decade, providing longitudinal insight into social change. In addition, she conducts applied research on adult adoptees, contributing to understanding new family forms shaped by reproductive technologies and international adoption. While no specific awards, grants, or publications are listed in the provided text, her scholarly work bridges ethnographic depth with contemporary social issues. She advises students in anthropology and related interdisciplinary fields and is actively engaged in teaching and research.