Lisa Meierotto

Lisa Meierotto is an Associate Professor at Boise State University's School of Public Service, where she serves as Program Lead for Global Studies and MA Political Science. She also holds the position of Interim Director of the Marilyn Shuler Human Rights Initiative at Boise State University. Her academic career spans over a decade with progressive appointments from Lecturer to Associate Professor.

Dr. Meierotto earned her Ph.D. in Anthropology with a specialization in Environmental Anthropology from the University of Washington in 2009, an M.A. in International Development from Clark University in 2002, and a B.A. in Anthropology and Global Studies from Pacific Lutheran University in 1997.

Her research explores intersections between global migration, human rights, and environmental justice. One branch examines how Homeland Security policies intersect with nature conservation along the U.S.-Mexico border, as documented in her 2020 book 'Immigration, Environment, and Security on the U.S.-Mexico Border.' Locally, she studies immigrant farmers in Idaho, focusing on ecological knowledge of Latinx agricultural workers. Her professional interests include race and ethnicity, human rights, environmental justice, border studies, and applied anthropology.

Dr. Meierotto's recent publications reveal a strong interdisciplinary focus on Latina farmworkers in Idaho, examining pesticide exposure, well-being, food security, and immigration policy impacts through mixed-methods approaches that combine environmental science with anthropological perspectives.

• 2020 School of Public Service Research Fellowship
• 2014 Excellence in Engaged Scholarship Award
• 2005 Graduate School Fritz Fellowship
• 2003 GO-MAP Fellowship

She actively mentors graduate students, currently advising a Doctoral student in Public Policy & Administration. Her grant portfolio includes a $65,970 Mountain West CTR-IN grant (2018) and a $40,000 USGS grant (2021). She is preparing a $300,000 National Science Foundation proposal on gender, migration, and sustainable agriculture. Her work has received media coverage from KTVB 7, Idaho Press, and Idaho News 6.

Dr. Meierotto serves as Board Trustee for The Nature Conservancy of Idaho and Co-Chair of the Hispanic/Latinx Exhibit at the Idaho Museum of International Diaspora, demonstrating her commitment to community engagement and environmental justice.