Workman Research Group
About
As a biocultural anthropologist, I am interested in looking at the ways in which humans are impacted biologically, psycho-emotionally and socially, by food, water and sanitation (WaSH), and energy insecurities.
In order to understand these complex interactions, I engage medical anthropology, environmental anthropology and other scientific disciplines such as public health and engineering. I use both qualitative and quantitative methods in my research and have conducted research in Lesotho. Tanzania, and Malawi, Africa, as well as in North Carolina.
In addition to conducting scholarly research, I have worked in international development for donor organizations and implementing partners in Mozambique, Tanzania, and South Sudan. I draw on both my research and my professional experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) to demonstrate the applicability of anthropology to addressing pressing global issues.
Current Projects
I have two ongoing research projects:
We are currently recruiting participants for a study on the experiences of water insecurity here in Greensboro.
If you received a postcard and are interested in participating, please email Professor Cassandra Workman at clworkma@uncg.edu to set up a time for the in-person survey. Participants may also participate, if interested, in a follow-up interview. The surveys are anticipated to take no more than 30 minutes and the interview is anticipated to take less than one hour. The survey and interview will be conducted separately, and interviews will be recorded. You will receive a $25 gift card for your participation in the survey and a $25 gift card for your participation in the interview.
Participation in this study is voluntary. Your identity as a participant will remain confidential/private during and after the study. Any findings we share will not include any personal information about you such as your name or where you live.
Another ongoing, National Science Foundation – funded study (NSF # 1951006) explores the effect food insecurity, water insecurity, and energy insecurity on people in Malawi.
We have collected two waves of data for this study in 2024 and 2025 and with additional data collection planned for summer 2025. We are currently working on analyses. This project includes anthropological methods as well as advanced statistical modeling and engineering technologies to assess the connections between and health outcomes of multiple resource insecurities. We have partnered with colleagues from the Global WaSH Cluster at NC State as well as Mzuni University and the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Malawi to conduct this research.
Courses Taught
- ATY 113 Engaging Culture
- ATY 259 Pandemics, Plagues, and Outbreaks
- ATY 311 Reading Culture and Society
- ATY 347 Myth, Magic & Religion
- ATY 315 World Ethnographies
- ATY 363 History of Anthropological Theory
- ATY 459 Anthropology of Global WASH
- ATY 469 Anthropology of Infectious Disease
- ATY 495 Contemporary Issues in Anthropology (Capstone)
Contact
