Stephen R. Wooten is a sociocultural anthropologist whose research interests include: political economy and ecology, local food systems and expressive culture. Dr. Wooten has been conducting ethnographic field research in Mali since 1992 and has recently begun a study of urban agriculture in Eugene. His research publications include: “Colonial Administration and the Ethnography of the Family in the French Soudan” in Cahiers d’etudes africaines, “Antelope Headdresses and Champion Farmers: Negotiating Meaning and Identity through the Bamana Ciwara Complex” in African Arts and “Losing Ground: Gender Relations, Commercial Horticulture and Threats to Local Plant Diversity in Rural Mali” in an edited volume entitled: Women and Plants: Gender Relations in Biodiversity Management and Conservation. His book The Art of Livelihood: Creating Expressive Agri-Culture in Rural Mali explores the creativity of rural Bamana people. Dr. Wooten has been at UO since 2001.

Contact: swooten@uoregon.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Abby, and I’m so excited to be your FIG Assistant for the Food Matters FIG this fall with Professor Stephen Wooten. When I started college, I randomly chose the FIG Food and the Garden- and it completely changed my path. I fell in love with the course content and the time we spent at the Urban Farm. That experience ultimately led me to change my major, and I haven’t looked back since! 

This fall, I’ll be in my fifth year studying Environmental Studies with minors in Food Studies and Sociology. I grew up in Texas but have completely fallen in love with Oregon and the Pacific Northwest since moving here. Throughout college, I’ve been lucky to explore a variety of opportunities in sustainable food systems. I’ve worked on a certified organic produce cooperative farm, interned as a cellar hand at a winery, and this summer, I’ll be working at a regenerative agricultural cheese creamery! I hope that by sharing my journey and experiences,  I can show just how many directions a passion for food and sustainability can take you.

Coming from out of state, I was nervous about starting college—but I actually met my best friend through my FIG. My goal this fall is to help create a space that’s not only exciting to learn in but also fosters genuine friendships and gives you a place to plant your roots.I can’t wait to meet you all, and feel free to reach out!

Want to connect with your FA? Email figs@uoregon.edu to get connected!