Krista Harper

Professor Krista Harper is a faculty member in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research focuses on mobilizations around environmental justice, urban infrastructure, food justice, and placemaking. She employs ethnographic, qualitative, and participatory action research methods to study renewable energy transitions, decarbonization policies, and equity in marginalized communities.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Anthropology, University of California, Santa Cruz (1999)
• M.A. in Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley (1994)
• B.A. in Anthropology (Minor in French), University of California, Berkeley (1992)
• Graduate semester abroad at Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary (1993)

Her research interests emphasize community perspectives on energy justice, participatory methods in anthropology, and the intersection of urban ecology with social equity. Recent work explores how marginalized communities navigate renewable energy transitions and advocates for inclusive policy frameworks.

Her publications span over three decades, with a recent focus on participatory research methodologies, renewable energy equity, and innovative teaching practices in anthropology. Her work bridges academic rigor with community-driven solutions, reflecting a commitment to applied anthropology and public engagement.

Her advising and grants focus on fostering student-led research and participatory projects, though specific grant details are not detailed in the provided text. She has contributed to collaborative initiatives in environmental justice education and urban sustainability, often involving photovoice and participatory visual methods.