Martha Few

Martha Few is a Professor of Latin American History and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Pennsylvania State University. Her research focuses on Indigenous peoples of Guatemala, Central America, and southern Mexico during Spanish colonial rule, examining intersections of medicine, environmental history, gender, and human-animal relationships. She holds a faculty position in dual departments, contributing to interdisciplinary scholarship.

Her work investigates colonial medical practices, including smallpox inoculation campaigns, and explores how Indigenous communities navigated colonial systems through knowledge of environment and biology. Few’s studies highlight the role of animals in colonial economies and cultural exchanges, such as transatlantic trade of exotic species, and the impact of colonial policies on biodiversity. She also analyzes gender dynamics, including women’s roles in political and religious spheres under colonial rule.

Recent publications address topics like insect-borne illnesses, postmortem medical procedures in the Spanish Empire, and the cultural significance of animals in colonial contexts. Her research bridges early modern history with contemporary issues, such as modern public health challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

Martha Few advises no listed students but contributes to academic discourse through book reviews and collaborative projects. Her work is supported by institutional affiliations at Penn State, where she engages in both teaching and research activities.