Dr. Michele R. Gamburd
Professor and Chair
PhD, University of Michigan, 1995
gamburdm@pdx.edu
503-725-3317
Home Page
Dr. Gamburd finished a year-long sabbatical leave during which she completed a book manuscript. Forthcoming from Indiana University Press, the book is entitled The Golden Wave: Culture and Politics after Sri Lanka's Tsunami Disaster. The book examines power relations on Sri Lanka's southwest coast in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Framed as a contribution to the anthropology of disaster, it uses political anthropology and discourse analysis to explore how the catastrophe changed social identities, economic dynamics, and governance structures. She has also recently authored a book chapter on aging and co-authored a book chapter on changing ritual practices.
In Fall Quarter 2012, Michele started a 2-year stint in the Freshman Inquiry program. She is teaching in the Human/Nature theme. Although she is enjoying this unique opportunity to contribute to PSU's general education program, she regrets that she will not teach any courses in the Anthropology Department during her obligation to FRINQ.
As chair, Michele hopes to continue the tradition of strong leadership in the Anthropology Department. She is growing familiar with scheduling, budgeting, DARS exemption requests, P-Card transactions, and other arcane nuances of management. She looks forward to working with everyone in the department during her time as chair.
Recent Publications
Forthcoming 2013. The Golden Wave: Culture and Politics after Sri Lanka's Tsunami Disaster. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
Forthcoming 2013. "Care work and property transfers: Intergenerational Family Obligations in Sri Lanka." In Transitions and Transformations: Cultural Perspectives on Aging and the Life Course. Jason Danely and Caitrin Lynch, eds. New York: Berghahn Books.
2012. (with Geraldine Gamburd) "Of Housewarmings and Homecomings: Kinship and Gift Exchange in Sri Lankan Ceremonies" for publication in Embedded Religions: Essays in Honor of W. S. Karunatillake, Carol Anderson, Susanne Mrozik, and R. M. W. Rajapakse, editors. Pp. 215-236. Colombo, Sri Lanka: S. Godage and Brothers.
2011. The Culture of Illicit Liquor in Sri Lanka. Swarnakanthi Rajapakse, translator. Nugegoda, Sri Lanka: Sarasavi Publishers. (Sinhala translation of my 2008 book).
2011 "Female Labor Migration from Sri Lanka to the Middle East," in The Sri Lanka Reader, edited by John Holt. Pp. 687-694. Duke University Press.