Laura Oaks

Laury Oaks is a Professor in the Department of Feminist Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She holds dual affiliations with the Department of Anthropology and the College of Letters and Science. Her research focuses on sexual and reproductive politics, health advocacy movements, and feminist analysis of public health, medicine, and science, employing qualitative research methods.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Anthropology & Population Dynamics (1998), Johns Hopkins University
• M.A. in Anthropology (1994), Johns Hopkins University
• B.A. in Anthropology and Women’s Studies (1988), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Certificate in Women’s Studies (1988), Women’s Studies Program in Europe (Antioch University, Ohio)

Key Research Interests:

Oaks explores intersections of gender, health policy, and social justice. Her work critiques scientific and medical systems through a feminist lens, emphasizing grassroots advocacy and reproductive rights. She investigates how marginalized communities navigate healthcare systems and shape public health discourse.

Contact:

Website: femst.ucsb.edu/laury-oaks
Phone: (805) 893-8444
Department Address: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-2036