National Association for the Practice of Anthropology

A category specifically to highlight the blogs of some of our members that write about anthropology on personal or professional blogs.
By Ruth Sando I have recently (2017) retired after a long career in private industry, working both as an employee and an outside consultant. After earning my Ph.D., I spent over 20 years in the financial services industry (in banking…
by Laurie Krieger I have consulted internationally in health, gender, policy, research, and even once in irrigation (that was weird). Here are some tips for getting started: Use your networks; in international work, people are hired through whom they know.…
By Elizabeth K. Briody I started Cultural Keys, LLC (culturalkeys.us) in 2009. At that time, I had a PhD and 24 years of work experience as an anthropologist at General Motors Research & Development. The mechanics of setting up the…
The number one rule in practicing anthropology is to be empathetic. This rule is incredibly important in today’s technological landscape. As we get increasingly intimate with our devices, work places, and institutions, producers are beginning to employ empathy —— often under…
Human centered design and design thinking are on the up and up. Consultancies, agencies, and industries worldwide are finally understanding the power of a human centered research process. There is no shortage of kitschy case studies that highlight the value…
One of the roles that I’m honored to fill for NAPA is that of Chair of our Ethics Committee. We have a committee full of dedicated anthropologists who exhibit diverse interests and career experience, dedication to looking out for new…
Hi, I’m Pam Puntenney and Chair of NAPA’s Lourdes Arizpe Award, a high profile initiative integrating external and internal engagement of our community of anthropologists. NAPA has created this award as an opportunity to recognize recent outstanding achievement in the…
[NOTE: Today marks the restarting of an important blog series, Governing Council Today. The series presents thoughts and information from members of the NAPA GC on a biweekly basis, to provide NAPA members with insights and transparency on the association’s…
Cheers from the NAPA Secretary! Hi all – my name is Lisa Henry and I’m serving my 2nd term as NAPA Secretary. Yep, that’s right…my 2nd term. I am also an associate professor and chair of the anthropology department at…
Hi, I’m Kevin Preister and I’m the new treasurer for NAPA. My goal during my tenure is to do as well as outgoing treasurer John Massad; John did tremendous work to develop protocols for budget development and reimbursements that will…
What “What” Was: Musings of your retired Treasurer (John Massad) Be Treasurer of NAPA? You want me to do what? But, I had no idea what “what” was. What was it to be Treasurer? What does one actually do? So,…