Alicia DeNicola

Alicia DeNicola is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Emory University's Oxford College. She specializes in cultural anthropology with a focus on craft revival, gender studies, and globalization's impact on traditional industries. Her work bridges field research in India and Costa Rica with pedagogical innovation in general education programs.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Anthropology, Syracuse University (2004)
• MA in Anthropology, Brandeis University (1998)
• BA in Anthropology, Lewis and Clark College (1989)

Research Focus: Examines intersections of labor practices, gender dynamics, and cultural preservation in artisan communities. Recent work explores authenticity in craft revival movements and the role of design schools in shaping traditional crafts. She co-edited Critical Craft: Technology, Globalization, and Capitalism (2016) and is currently writing a book on authenticity.

Teaching & Curriculum: Developed Oxford College's Ways of Inquiry general education program. Teaches courses on cultural anthropology, gender studies, economic anthropology, and South Asian cultural perspectives. Recent courses include ANTH 265: Anthropology of Gender and ANTH 352: Globalization and Transnational Cultures.

Awards & Recognition:

• 2016 Mizell Award for curriculum innovation
• 2017 Rita Cobb Award for supporting the Black Student Alliance

Professional Engagement: Core faculty member for Warren Wilson College's MA program in Critical Craft Studies (2023). Keynote speaker at Bard Graduate Center's Cross-Disciplinary Craft Studies conference (2018). Active presenter at American Anthropological Association meetings since 2003.