Orin Starn

Orin Starn is Professor of Cultural Anthropology and History at Duke University's Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, holding dual appointments in both departments since 2005 and 2010 respectively. He is also an Affiliate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society and a Bass Fellow. His academic journey began with a B.A. from the University of Chicago in 1982, followed by a Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1989.

Starn's research interests span technology and internet studies, social movements and indigenous politics, sports and society, cultural theory and the history of anthropology, with regional expertise in Latin America, Latinx experience, Europe, and Native America. His scholarly work explores the intersection of cultural phenomena with political and social structures, particularly evident in his focus on revolutionary movements like Peru's Shining Path and the cultural significance of sports figures like Tiger Woods.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on anthropological writing practices, Latin American revolutionary movements, and sports anthropology. The trajectory of his work shows an evolution from fieldwork-based studies of Andean social movements to broader examinations of anthropological methodology, digital culture, and sports as cultural phenomena. His writing often bridges academic theory with accessible public commentary, as evidenced by his frequent media appearances.

• Traditional Fulbright Scholarship (National Council for International Exchange of Scholars, 2006)
• Fellow (National Humanities Center, 2001)

Starn has secured significant research funding including an NSF grant for Unionizing Amazon (2024-2026), an ACLS Collaborative Research Fellowship (2016-2017), and the Josiah Charles Trent Memorial Foundation grant for Wartime Stories in the Andes (1995). His professional activities include extensive public engagement through media commentary on sports, race, and Latin American politics, as well as academic presentations on indigenous issues and anthropological methodology.