Photo courtesy of Nate Smith
Miriam’s earlier writing derives from her years of anthropological field research in Africa and Asia, focusing on poverty and hunger alleviation, gender equity, and the welfare of children. She has published many articles and co-edited two books on international development and community resilience.
Her most widely read publication is her article on the perils of field research No Heads, No Feet, No Monkeys, No Dogs: The Evolution of my Personal Food Taboos. Despite her aversion to beets and bananas, she has eaten many unusual foods, including monitor lizard.
After extensive research on three continents, she pivoted to her most exotic site yet – Greenwich Village in New York. Three members of Miriam’s family were long-time residents of the Westbeth Artists’ Residence, which opened doors when she turned her anthropological gaze to this community. After three decades of research in villages in sub-Saharan Africa, she realized that Westbeth is a vertical village, with all the drama and intrigue of any village. Her book Creative Ozone: The Artists of Westbeth (Empire State Books from Fordham University Press) recounts the history of the Westbeth community, and focuses on the intriguing characters that called Westbeth home.
Miriam was formerly Dean of the Conroy Honors College and Distinguished Professor of Anthropology at New Mexico State University. She lives with her husband and fellow anthropologist Tom Conelly in southern New Mexico.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead