Graduate Certificate in Disaster Anthropology
Published on June 23, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast! Today, I'm thrilled to be speaking with Dr. Sofia Patel, an expert in Anthropology and the lead instructor for the new Graduate Certificate in Disaster Anthropology. Dr. Patel, can you tell us a bit about your personal experiences that led you to this field? GUEST: Absolutely! I've always been fascinated by how communities respond to crises. My research in Nepal after the 2015 earthquake helped me understand the importance of cultural context in disaster management. HOST: That's fascinating. Now, let's discuss the course. How does the Graduate Certificate in Disaster Anthropology address current industry trends? GUEST: We focus on resilience and adaptation, emphasizing practical applications and case studies. This approach aligns with the shift towards more holistic and community-centered disaster management approaches. HOST: Indeed, that's crucial. Now, what are some challenges faced in this field or while teaching this subject? GUEST: One challenge is helping students and professionals unlearn traditional disaster management approaches that often overlook social and cultural factors. HOST: That sounds difficult but rewarding. Finally, where do you see the future of Disaster Anthropology, and how does this course prepare learners for it? GUEST: Disaster Anthropology will become increasingly important as we face more complex and interconnected crises. Our course equips learners with the tools to drive meaningful change in disaster management practices. HOST: Dr. Patel, thank you so much for sharing your insights and giving us a glimpse into the Graduate Certificate in Disaster Anthropology. We're excited to see the positive impact this course will have on disaster management practices. GUEST: Thank you for having me. I'm looking forward to seeing the change our learners will bring to the field.
