Fwd: Introducing the Public Ethnography Lab, a new project within AU Anthropology

[WAPA DC]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Elise Ferrer <ef8...@american.edu>
Date: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Subject: Introducing the Public Ethnography Lab, a new project within AU Anthropology
To:

Introducing 
The Public Ethnography Lab 
A new project within the AU Department of Anthropology  
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We are excited to announce the official establishment of the Public Ethnography Lab. Founded by Dr. Thurka Sangaramoothy within American University’s Department of Anthropology, the lab seeks to build interest, support, and resources for qualitative and ethnographic research in academic, government, non-profit, and other sectors. A longer description of the lab’s strategic vision is available on the newly launched lab website, www.publicethnographylab.com.  

In working towards this mission, the lab is organizing and developing several programs and offerings this summer, including: 

• Kicking off monthly Ethnography Coffee Hours, informal mid-week gatherings for ethnographic scholars, practitioners, or curious novices with complimentary coffee and light breakfast. The first Ethnography Coffee Hour is this Wednesday, June 18, from 9:00-10:30am in Hamilton 109. (See attached flyer, and RSVP here.) 

 

• Organizing the Anthropology Summer Salon, a bi-weekly, 6-session series in partnership with the Georgetown Neighborhood Library to bring the anthropological, archaeological, and qualitative work of early career scholars and students to a public audience. After a great first session, our second event, Scorched Earth: Environmental Justice, Violent Histories, and Possible Futures, will be Tuesday, June 24 at 6pm at the Georgetown Neighborhood Library (See attached flyer, and RSVP here.) There are still opportunities to present, and interested scholars may apply to participate using this form.  
   
• Launching and building out the lab’s website 
   
• Launching the lab’s new podcast, In the Thick of It, which highlights possibilities for ethnographic practice and qualitative research within and outside of the university. Our first season is hosted by Eva Rey, PhD Candidate in the Department of Anthropology, and will launch in the coming weeks. 

We look forward to building and growing this lab with you all over the coming months and years. If you’d like to stay connected or get involved, be sure to join us for our summer programming and register for the lab’s newsletter for updates on lab offerings, events, opportunities, news, and more.  

Questions? Contact the Lab Coordinator, Elise Ferrer, at ef8...@american.edu. 

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Washington Association of Professional Anthropologists (WAPA)
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