Anthropology

Session I

Ryleigh Scott, "A Never-Empty Nest: Human-animal (Un)bonds formed in Home-Based Wildlife Rehabilitation in Richmond, VA"

Wildlife rehabilitation programs often prioritize emotional detachment toward the animals they treat in order to preserve the wild animal’s ability to survive independently upon release. Little is known, though, about the care and power dynamics that exist between animals and home-based rehabilitators. In a small community of independent rehabilitators in Virginia, which predominantly consists of retired women who care for wildlife in their homes, rehabilitators often describe profound maternal bonds with the animals in their care. Rather than characterizing their caregiving labor as emotionally detached, many describe it as an intimate and emotionally-taxing collaboration with the animal toward its healing and freedom. By conducting interviews with these women and observing them care for the animals in their homes, this project aims to expand the conversation on how to ethically interact with wildlife by including the subjective knowledges co-produced by women and wildlife.

Student Major(s): Environment & Sustainability Major

Advisor: Dr. Mara Dicenta

Session II

Gracie Gomes, "The Motives of Asian Migration to the United States"

We have identified datasets and created visuals that exhibit the movement of Asian immigrants to the United States, with the focus on student visas from countries such as India, Bangladesh, Japan, China, and South Korea. We prioritized our analysis toward tracking changes over time and finding meaningful migration trends. We analyzed data trends based on educational and occupational motivators of South Asian and Middle Eastern migration to the United States. By bridging and connecting these motivators to anthropology, we will enhance a holistic perspective between migration trends and current events related to social, economic, and global contexts. 

Student Major(s)/Minor: Computer Science Major, Data Science Minor

Advisor: Dr. Andrea Wright

Cynthia Gonzalez, "The Motives of Asian Migration to the United States"

We have identified datasets and created visuals that exhibit the movement of Asian immigrants to the United States, with the focus on student visas from countries such as India, Bangladesh, Japan, China, and South Korea. We prioritized our analysis toward tracking changes over time and finding meaningful migration trends. We analyzed data trends based on educational and occupational motivators of South Asian and Middle Eastern migration to the United States. By bridging and connecting these motivators to anthropology, we will enhance a holistic perspective between migration trends and current events related to social, economic, and global contexts. 

Student Major(s)/Minor: Data Science Major

Advisor: Dr. Andrea Wright