Melissa Sue Maceyko

Melissa Sue Maceyko is a Professor of Linguistic Anthropology at the Department of Anthropology, California State University, Long Beach. Her research focuses on language ideology, political anthropology, democratic participation, gender, and sexuality, with regional expertise in North America and Melanesia. She holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Virginia (2016), alongside multiple master’s degrees in Anthropology and Linguistics from the same institution.

Education:

• Ph.D. Anthropology, University of Virginia, 2016
• M.A. Anthropology, University of Virginia, 2010
• M.A. Linguistics, University of Virginia, 2007
• B.A. English Literature and Political Science, Allegheny College, 2004

Her research explores how language and discourse shape political participation, authority, and identity. Recent work examines discursive practices in American democracy, gendered political communication, and the intersection of language with corruption and nationalism. She has presented at major conferences such as the American Anthropological Association (AAA) and Language, Interaction, and Social Organization (LISO).

Key awards include a $4,650 grant from CSULB’s Office of Research and a $18,000 award from the University of Virginia’s Center for Teaching Excellence. She has also organized applied anthropology symposiums to highlight non-academic career paths for anthropologists.

Grants and advising: Melissa has secured over $27,000 in research funding and has been actively involved in mentoring through her academic roles. No formal advisees are listed, but her teaching and grant activities reflect strong engagement with student development.