Donatella Schmidt

Donatella Schmidt is a Lecturer at the Department of Humanities of Ca' Foscari University of Venice. She earned her PhD from Indiana University (1991) and completed postdoctoral studies at the Université de Paris. Dr. Schmidt founded the research group Food and Refugees (FOR) and established a research unit focused on Saint Anthony of Padua's devotion in contemporary contexts. She actively collaborates with the Guarani research network in Brazil.

• Education
  • PhD in Anthropology, Indiana University (1991)
  • Post-doctoral Research, Université de Paris

Her research spans cultural anthropology, ethnolinguistics, and religious globalization, with a focus on:

• Guarani communities in Southern Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay
• Gender perspectives in social movements like Femen
• Intersections of shamanism, tourism, and cultural revitalization
• Modern interpretations of Saint Anthony of Padua devotion
• Migrant women's integration processes across three countries
• Ethical representation of marginalized groups

Publications highlight long-term engagement with Guarani cultures (1994-2018), religious continuity (2016), and migration studies (2001-2004). No scientific awards information found. Teaching activities since 2020/21 include Master's courses on Cultural Anthropology and Indigenous America.