Project(s)

Perceptions of Adolescent and Child Labor within the North American Agrarian Community (Ongoing)
Exploring the Material Culture of Tobacco Baskets (Ongoing)

Faculty Profile

Research Description

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My name is Dr. Susie Donaldson (she/her) and I am a cultural anthropologist who focuses on ethnographic research in North America. My area of expertise is the regions of southern and central Appalachia with a focus on farmers and farmworkers. I have conducted long-term ethnographic fieldwork in this region on cultural conceptions of farming and farm work and exploring ideas like rural identity. I am always interested in mentoring students who want to explore any of these areas of the world or issues in their research. However, since coming to UMKC, my research foci have changed some. My current research projects are in the area of Honors pedagogy (teaching and learning among high achieving students) and understanding and understanding campus culture and the ways it impacts things like diversity, social identity, and experiences of exclusion and inclusion. See below for Dr. Donaldson's research projects (all open to undergraduate involvement). I also spend a lot of time mentoring students who are interested in getting involved in undergraduate research and love to work with students to help them develop their own ideas - especially students who want to conduct ethnographic research in sociology or anthropology. So, do not hesitate to reach out if you have an idea that does not match the research interests I have listed above or below. Neurodivergence Among High Achieving Students This research is focused on examining the way neurodivergence is experienced among high-achieving college students. The initial goal of this research is to seek a better understanding of (1) the ways neurodivergence is experienced during the transition to college and (2) the challenges posed by neurodivergence at the college-level, especially among students who excel (or are expected to excel) academically. College Going Culture and Identity Work This research is focused on examining the experiences of first-generation college students who participate in the Honors Program. This study involves examining how exposure (or lack of exposure) to a “college going culture” affects students as they develop academic identities. College Culture as it Relates to Notions and Experiences of Diversity and Identity This research explores the role of a college-campus culture on student perceptions and experiences of diversity and inclusion or exclusion. This research will involve conducting surveys, focus groups, and interviews among students who attend different types of universities.


Afflicated Department(s)

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Sociology  


Faculty-related Tags
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Anthropology  Honors Program  anthropology  appalachia  education  ethnographic research  labor studies  rural studies  sociology  


First-generation college graduate
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no


Region of Interest
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North America  

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