MULTIMEDIA ETHNOGRAPHY

Livelihood Sustainability in an Age of Global Disruption | 2021

This story map outlines some of the major findings of my research on climate change and rural livelihood sustainability in Dominica. It includes insights on important rural development questions that are common throughout the Caribbean, including:

  • What types of farming are most resilient to climate shocks?
  • Who is able to succeed in farming and how can this success be replicated?
  • Why do technical innovations such as greenhouses fail the majority of farmers?
  • How can local and regional trade be strengthened?

Digital Photography of Dominica | 2012-2019

Locals often call Dominica ‘the nature island of the Caribbean’. View a selection of photographs taken over the course of my fieldwork that aim to capture the fantastic beauty and vibrant culture of this amazing place.

Documentary Film: Portrayal of Gabriel Sanchez | 2013

This documentary is based upon the life and experiences of Gabriel Sanchez. In 2013, Gabe was an undergraduate student at the University of Oregon studying archaeology and anthropology. Gabe’s story links personal experience to larger social and historical narratives related to the Latino experience in Oregon. Production was supported by Latino Roots in Oregon, an oral histories research and preservation project that explores Latino contributions and heritage in Oregon.

Photo Essay: Homelessness in Eugene, OR  | 2013

This photo essay explores the problem of homelessness in Eugene. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development Assessment Report (2008) states that Oregon has the highest proportion of homeless people in the United States. The problem of homelessness in Oregon has only become more acute since the financial crisis. In 2010, the Oregon Housing and Community Services found that on a given night there were 19,207 homeless people, up from 17,122 people in 2009. According to the statistics, more than half of these people are in the greater Eugene area. There are many programs that help to address the problem, but the need far outweighs the available resources.

Homelessness is a hot political issue in Eugene. Here, members of a makeshift community occupy the plaza in front of city hall, Eugene City Center. A display in front of the camp asks passersby a poignant question – where do you sleep?
Patriotism is a recurrent theme in Eugene’s homeless camps. A disproportionate number of the homeless in Eugene (as well as nation wide) are military veterans.
A homeless man shelters from the winter cold under a blanket as he walks through downtown Eugene. The temperature reached only to the low teens the day this photograph was taken (December 2013)
“No Camping” signs found throughout downtown Eugene express the problem of homelessness in the city. To the far right of the frame, you can see a homeless camp outside city hall.

Today, it’s illegal in Eugene for people to sleep on public land, however for over a year many members of the homeless community have been living in makeshift camps around the city. Homeless advocates have been lobbying the City Council for more than a year to provide a legal place for homeless people to sleep. In October 2013 the Council approved the first two homeless camps for the Trainsong neighborhood. There is also the Opportunity Village project, which provides transitional housing for homeless individuals and families as well as multiple illegal encampments around town.