معرفی
Dr. Rebecca Austin is a Professor of Anthropology and Environment & Sustainability at Fort Lewis College (FLC), Durango, CO. She holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Georgia (2003), an M.A. in Applied Anthropology from Northern Arizona University (1989), and a B.A. from FLC (1980). Her primary affiliations include the College of Arts & Sciences, with dual departmental focus on Anthropology and Sustainability studies.
- Areas of Expertise: Environmental anthropology, applied anthropology, cultural ecology, community-based conservation, traditional ecological knowledge, and environmental justice.
- Geographic Focus: Southwestern U.S. (Navajo Nation) and the Philippines (Palawan Island).
Dr. Austin’s research bridges academic inquiry and applied practice, emphasizing human-environment relationships. She has conducted fieldwork with tribal governments in the U.S. Southwest, consulted on social impact assessments for the Navajo Nation, and led a Fulbright-funded study on coastal resource management in Palawan (1997-1998). Her work addresses climate change adaptation, lawns/landscapes as cultural markers, and human rights for environmental activists. Current projects include investigating the Gold King Mine toxic spill’s impacts on Navajo communities.
Her professional service includes private-sector consulting, NEPA compliance work, and curriculum design. Notable contributions include presentations at the Society for Applied Anthropology meetings and United Nations Climate Change conferences.
- Awards: Fulbright Grant (1997-1998).
- Grants: Supported by the Fulbright Program and institutional research funds at FLC.
Dr. Austin collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on applied projects, integrating anthropological methods with environmental science to address contemporary sustainability challenges.
