February 28th: Cultural Ecology with WWU professor Gigi Berardi

Walking in 6 worlds: Research and writing about the "other" and about yourself....

Berardi speaks as a journalist,  the author of over 300 nonfiction articles and reviews. Such training and experience goes hand in hand with her research experience in remote areas (Alaska, coastal Kenya,  central America, rural New York and Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and with the Anabaptist "plain people"), and now, teaching in the Highlands of Mexico. A reference point for her is her seven years of work in a tribal natural resources program at Northwest Indian College. Berardi is currently chair of the Department of Environmental Studies at Huxley College. Twelve years ago, she received Western Washington University's diversity award.

Gigi Berardi received her BA in biology with high honors from John Muir College, University of California San Diego and her MS and PhD in Resources, Policy, and Planning from Cornell University. She holds a MA in dance (now, World Arts and Cultures) from UCLA. She taught at The Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington, from 1994-1995, and is now professor and project director (after seven years as chair of the Department of Environmental Studies, a position she again holds) at Huxley College, Western Washington University, where she focuses on community vulnerabilities and cultural ecology. Her research and writing includes study and review of Food and Farm Systems, Native American Studies and Tribal Education, and Performing Arts.