Stephen Chrisomalis

Stephen Chrisomalis is a Professor of Linguistic Anthropology at Wayne State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Anthropology. His research focuses on the anthropology of mathematics, numerical cognition, and the interaction between language, cognition, and culture. He has conducted extensive work on numerical notation systems across cultures and their cognitive implications, as well as studies on Detroit middle school students' mathematical learning through the Math Corps program funded by a $3 million NSF grant (2016-2021).

Chrisomalis holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from McGill University (2003) and a B.A. from McMaster University (1996). His academic blog, Glossographia, discusses language, literacy, and numeracy. He teaches courses such as ANT3310 - Language and Culture, ANT7005 - Proseminar in Anthropology I, and LIN3310 - Language and Culture, bridging linguistic and cultural studies.

His research explores how numerical systems reflect social, political, and economic processes, challenging assumptions about the 'end of history' in numerical development. Recent work includes sociolinguistic changes in English numerals since 1800 and interdisciplinary collaborations on cognitive anthropology. Grants and publications emphasize cross-cultural methods, with a focus on education and literacy.