WWU anthropology students named winners of Public Anthropology Award

Seventeen students in anthropology faculty advisor Kathy Saunders' Introduction to Anthropology (ANTH 201) class have been recognized as Public Anthropology Award winners in a recent North American competition.

The contest involved more than 4,000 students from 21 schools.

According to a recent announcement from Center for a Public Anthropology, "Saunders has played an integral part in Public Anthropology’s online student community, showcasing the ability of WWU students to learn effective writing skills while being active global citizens. She demonstrates how combining technology with cultural concerns in academic courses positively engages students to participate in the broader world beyond their university, while gaining the skills needed for a productive, active life after graduation."

Saunders' research interests include the anthropology of science and technology, biomedical ethics and political economy. She emphasizes extensive writing in her large introductory courses, hoping to better prepare students for the rigor of upper division writing. She has been an important role in facilitating student participation in the compilation of the first-ever WWU’s Whatcom County Community Food Assessment. She recently was awarded the Ronald Kleinknecht Excellence in Teaching Award (2009-2010).