Anthropology students recognized through national competition
This semester, East Carolina University anthropology students participated in a nationwide competition known as the Community Action Project. Administered by the Center for a Public Anthropology, the competition involved more than 3,500 students from 25 schools across the United States.
As their entry into the competition, students wrote editorial pieces on the topic of climate change. The articles were evaluated by peers from other universities throughout the country.
Nine ECU anthropology students received award-winning recognition of their editorial pieces on the topic of climate change. Pictured left to right are Chris Capone, assistant professor of anthropology Dr. Cynthia Grace-McCaskey, Kaitlyn Lee, Elizabeth Lyttle and Gayle Yoder. (Contributed photo)
“No matter what part of the world you are from, it affects you in some way,” said ECU anthropology student Gayle Yoder.
Another entrant, Kaitlyn Lee, said, “It was important for me because I’m from the beach and it is just something that I’ve grown up learning about.”
Nine ECU students were selected as award winners and received special certificates for their writing. Winners include Chris Capone, Christina Dougherty, Kaitlyn Lee, Elizabeth Lyttle, Autumn Saski, Logan Stevens, Allyse Williams, Ashley Yeager and Gayle Yoder.
“I thought it was really cool being able to connect with people around the world, especially about a dispute that’s as important as this,” said Capone.
ECU students also reviewed other students’ submissions.
“It was interesting to see that this person clearly believes the opposite of what I think, but they make a convincing argument for it,” Lyttle said.
Yoder said, “It is a common issue that people deal with in their daily lives, so it was interesting how people from different backgrounds dealt with that issue.”
Dr. Robert Borofsky, director of the Center for a Public Anthropology, praised Dr. Cynthia Grace-McCaskey, ECU assistant professor of anthropology and assistant scientist with the Coastal Studies Institute, who taught the students.
“Professor Grace-McCaskey has played an integral part in public anthropology’s online student community, showcasing the ability of East Carolina students to learn effective writing skills while being active global citizens,” Borofsky said. “She demonstrates how combining technology with cultural concerns in academic courses positively engages students to participate in the broader world beyond their academic setting while gaining the skills needed for a productive, active life after graduation.”
Read the winning ECU student editorials
Find out more about the Community Action Project
-by Lacey L. Gray, University Communications