Mark Silber

Mark Silber, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern Maine (USM), where he has taught since 1998. He holds a PhD in Medical Anthropology from Boston University and an undergraduate degree in Biology from Harvard College. His research and teaching focus on visual anthropology, cultural symbolism, health beliefs, and community practices. He co-authored two notable books: The Complete Book of Everlastings and Growing Herbs and Vegetables From Seed to Harvest, blending anthropological insights with practical horticultural knowledge.

His courses include Cultural Anthropology, Health Illness and Culture, and Ethnicity, Immigration and Identity. A notable course is Fables Do Come True – Fairy Tales and National Character, which explores cultural narratives through global fairy tales and films. Silber’s work extends beyond academia, involving organic farming advocacy, farmers market organization, and community engagement in Sumner, Maine, where he contributes to local governance and non-profit initiatives.

He combines academic rigor with hands-on practices, such as gardening, machinery repair, and rural community development, reflecting his philosophy of integrating professional and personal life. His interdisciplinary approach bridges anthropology, ecology, and cultural studies, emphasizing observation of human-environment interactions.