Nancy Lutkehaus

Nancy Lutkehaus is a Professor of Anthropology and Political Science at the University of Southern California, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Her research spans Melanesian gender and social organization, visual anthropology, and missionary studies, with regional expertise in Papua New Guinea and Kenya.

Educational Background

• Ph.D. in Anthropology, Columbia University (1985)
• M.A. in Anthropology, Columbia University
• B.A. in Anthropology, Barnard College / Smith College (1972)

Research Focus
Professor Lutkehaus explores political and economic anthropology, symbolic anthropology, and visual studies. Her work examines Western representations of Pacific Island peoples, the maternal behavior of Catholic nuns in PNG, and community-based HIV/AIDS prevention in Kenya.

Article Trends
Her recent publications analyze visual anthropology, PNG mortuary practices, and transpacific cultural exchanges. Themes include symbolic rituals, ethnographic film, and the commodification of non-Western art.

Scientific Honors

• USC Raubenheimer Outstanding Senior Faculty Award (2020-2021)
• American Council of Learned Societies Fellowship (2015-2016)
• Rockefeller Fellowship (2008-2009)
• Fulbright Award (1977-1978)

Grants & Service
She led the University-Ngo Coalition-Building Initiative in Kenya (2006-2009) and held leadership roles at USC, including Chair of Anthropology and Director of Gender Studies Program. Current affiliations include the Visual Studies Research Institute.