I have studied cultural anthropology for seven years, up to receiving my MA in applied anthropology from the University of Memphis. In particular, I have done qualitative research in cultural trends i... n coffee in different countries as well as an applied research project in service delivery to Syrian and Iraqi refugees. My academic experience also includes acting as secretary of a minority student organization, working as a teachers assistant during graduate school, advising current students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and teaching an intro to cultural & linguistic anthology class at SIUE. As an anthropologist, I see that culture is an integral phenomenon to every person, but the way culture takes shape and acts upon people can vary wildly. In an ever expanding and interconnected world, it is vital to help others understand different cultures and peoples to prevent misunderstandings and build bridges. I work with students one on one to meet all their academic and professional goals through a holistic approach in which I involve the student in the decision making process, consider their strengths and weaknesses, and apply my own knowledge and experience. I always encourage my students to engage in critical analysis of culture and society and even my own teaching methods so I may better deliver material and information. Furthermore, I believe that teaching anthropology should involve contextualizing a student’s lived experience so they see themselves within the broader framework, thus bringing the content into focus. I have experience using qualitative and quantitative research methodology in human research. In performing my research projects, I have gained familiarity in the moral and ethical issues that surround human-subject research. I have presented my undergraduate research project, which received the outstanding senior project award from the SIUE anthropology department, at the Society for Applied Anthropology conference. Having traveled to aread more

Hello Students! My name is Randy Stark, and I am from St. Louis, MO. I have studied cultural anthropology for seven years, up to receiving my MA in applied anthropology from the University of Memphis... . I have training in ethnography, qualitative & qualitative research methods, and negotiating moral/ ethical issues. In particular, I have done qualitative research in cultural trends in coffee in different countries as well as an applied research project in service delivery to Syrian and Iraqi refugees. My academic experience also includes working as a teachers assistant during graduate school, advising current students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and teaching an intro to cultural & linguistic anthology class at SIUE. As an anthropologist, I see that culture is an integral phenomenon to every person, but the way culture takes shape and acts upon people can vary wildly. In an ever expanding and interconnected world, it is vital to help others understand different cultures and peoples to prevent misunderstandings and build bridges. I work with students one on one to meet all their academic and professional goals through a holistic approach in which I involve the student in the decision making process, consider their strengths and weaknesses, and apply my own knowledge and experience. I always encourage my students to engage in critical analysis of culture and society and even my own teaching methods so I may better deliver material and information. Furthermore, I believe that teaching anthropology should involve contextualizing a student’s lived experience so they see themselves within the broader framework, thus bringing the content into focus. Fun Facts: I have studied and lived in Thailand, Spain, Lebanon, and Jordan. MY undergraduate research was included in the Society for Applied Anthropology’s annual conference. I was a secretary in my undergrad university's Muslim Student Association. I look forward to sharing my knowledge with you!read more