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| Dr. Maryann Cairns (Image Source: Cairns' SMU Research Website) |
This blog post is dedicated to profiling the academic research and applied work of Dr. Maryann R. Cairns. Cairns did not initially start out studying anthropology. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Classical Civilization and Political Science from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois, followed by earning a Master’s of Science in International Development from Tulane University out of New Orleans, Louisiana. She entered into anthropological scholarship when she completed her doctorate in Applied Anthropology at the University of South Florida.
Cairns is currently employed as an Associate Professor at Southern Methodist University where she engages in research and mentors students in environmental anthropological research projects. She utilizes sociocultural anthropological methods to identify public health solutions as they pertain to environmental issues. Her academic and applied work has focused on water quality, environmental justice, Covid-19 responses, and more recently on waste within the fashion industry. Her research is not simply academic but also very much applied to addressing real problems occurring across the globe. She has worked on water and environmental issues throughout Greece, Costa Rica, the United States, and the Caribbean. The nature of her work has required her to work with biologists, chemists, public health professionals, engineers, ecologists, and statisticians, specifically in understanding the problems from multiple perspectives (e.g., how are people using and impacted by technology, what specific technologies are necessary to solve the problems, etc.).
Cairns is quite passionate about public outreach and communicating her work with the public. She and her students have been engaged in a variety of public outreach projects and programs. A full list of them can be found on her website, but a sample include a recent public talk about the wastefulness of the fashion industry (video linked here), podcast interviews about tourism, health, and water quality and safety (recording is available here), public lectures on environmental racism (linked here), and her work with Water for People on water sanitation infrastructure in Bolivia, which required working closely with engineers and others.
Dr. Maryann Cairns is in no way slowing down as she is near the beginning of her career. It will be interesting to see where she goes next, both academically and professionally. Given what she has accomplished thus far the impacts of her work may likely affect many of you reading this post today, even if you do not know it.
Works Cited
AAAS. (2021, May 26). PODCAST | Unhealthy Waters, featuring Dr. Maryann Cairns. Retrieved from AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships: https://www.aaaspolicyfellowships.org/blog/podcast-unhealthy-waters-featuring-dr-maryann-cairns
Cairns, M. A. (2024). Our Research. Retrieved from DR. MARYANN CAIRNS: COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH ON PEOPLE AND ENVIRONMENT: https://people.smu.edu/mcairns/
Cairns, M. (n.d.). Maryann Cairns, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Southern Methodist University. Retrieved from LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryann-cairns-865647a/
8 comments:
It is very interesting that Dr. Maryann Cairns has brought awareness to the wastefulness of fashion. Our society has influenced us to participate in many fashion trends as well as fast fashion. I think that is is really important that someone like Dr. Cairns is bringing awareness to this issue.
I find it inspiring and interesting Dr.Cairns was able to switch to something in the Anthropology field. Not only this but the aspect of helping during Covid-19 relief and her work at a University. Being able to inspire and guide other interested ears in the direction she chose, maybe even sooner. It inspires me to be able to find interactive social anthropology careers in my own future. - Kennedi W.
I find it very important that someone like Dr. Maryann Cairns makes it a point to actually do something that will make an immediate difference in our lives. She's doing things that actually help elevate our everyday well-being. Having someone that goes to bat and risk themselves and all that they have worked for to make a real difference is respected.
Wow, Dr. Maryann R. Cairns sounds like an incredible researcher and advocate for environmental issues! It's impressive how she uses sociocultural anthropological methods to address real-world problems like water quality and waste in the fashion industry. Her interdisciplinary approach, collaborating with experts from various fields, shows the importance of considering multiple perspectives. I admire her passion for public outreach and sharing her work with the world. It's great to see researchers like Dr. Cairns making a positive impact on our environment.
I did not know that you could Obtain so many Degrees or Masters in that many different majors Let alone at so many different Universities. I also think it's incredible that she's working with so many different organizations like water for People in Bolivia which is incredible.
-Ahmesha Johnson
As seen by her participation in talks, podcast interviews, and public debates on issues like environmental racism and wastefulness, Dr. Cairns' dedication to public engagement is admirable. This reflects her attempts to fight for environmental justice and sustainable practices as well as to educate the public and increase awareness of these issues. In addition to highlighting the relevance and significance of Dr. Cairns' research in tackling pressing environmental challenges, the post emphasizes the substantial influence of her work on the general public. Dr. Cairns skillfully puts her findings into practice by interacting with the public and supporting worthwhile projects, which benefit communities all around the world.
woah ,Dr. Maryann Cairns have amazing accolades and degrees I like that she's passionate out public engagment great blog.
I read this blog post and was impressed with Dr. Maryann Cairns' research and practical approach. It is interesting to note that although she was not originally an anthropology major, she began her career in applied anthropology in search of solutions to environmental and public health problems. I found it particularly impressive that her research is not only academic, but is actually being used to solve problems around the world. Her work in various areas, such as water quality issues, environmental justice, and waste in the fashion industry, shows her commitment to understanding issues from diverse perspectives, and I empathized with her collaboration with experts in other fields to provide practical solutions. I was also impressed by Cairns' willingness to share her research with society and her commitment to public outreach activities with her students. I find it very significant that researchers like her are taking a proactive approach to environmental and social issues.
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