Stephen R. Wooten

Stephen R. Wooten is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages of the University of Oregon. His interdisciplinary affiliations span Global Studies, African Studies, Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Folklore Program, and Food Studies. He specializes in sociocultural anthropology and has been a member of the Provost's Teaching Academy since 2001.

• Education:
• B.A., Massachusetts-Amherst (1986)
• M.A., University of Illinois (1993)
• Ph.D., University of Illinois (1997)

Dr. Wooten’s research focuses on the intersection of food studies, political ecology, and expressive culture, with a long-term ethnographic commitment to Mali since 1992. His work addresses agrarian change, gender dynamics, and local food systems, particularly examining the resilience and creativity of rural communities. He has published extensively on topics such as the Bamana Ciwara complex, biodiversity conservation, and women’s culinary agency in shaping cultural and social identities.

As a three-time Fulbright awardee, his scholarly contributions include two books: The Art of Livelihood: Creating Expressive Agri-Culture and Cooking Culture: Women's Culinary Agency and Everyday Creativity. His work also appears in journals like Cahiers d’études africaines, African Arts, and Anthropology of Food. Dr. Wooten’s current research extends to global agroecological transitions, emphasizing sustainability and cultural preservation.

• Scientific Awards:
• 3-time Fulbright awardee