I am a professor of philosophy who works on issues of animal and environmental ethics using an ecofeminist pragmatist perspective.  I regularly teach classes on food ethics, ecofeminism, human nature, and American pragmatism. I live with two Australian Shepherds--Kira (named for a Star Trek character) and Scully (named for an X-files character).  My early work on utopia mixes well with science fiction as ways to help us envision different possible futures.  I am particularly excited to teach this FIG on Human Fragility.  While I named and described the FIG before the recent pandemic, it now seems a particularly important topic to address.  My work challenges notions of human exceptionalism and superiority and I argue that humans need to acknowledge, and work within the limits of, our shared interdependence with the rest of nature.

Email: emckenna@uoregon.edu

Hi everyone! My involvement in the FIG “Tomato, Tomato” my own freshman year inspired me to become a FIG assisant. I met close friends in this FIG, and I had a much smoother transition into life as a college student than I might’ve had otherwise. Towards the end of my fall term freshman year, I felt increasingly more confident and prepared to encounter all that the University of Oregon has to offer. In the fall of 2020, I will be entering my fourth and final year as an undergraduate and my third year as a FIG Assistant. My sophomore year I was the FIG Assistant for “He, She, Xe, They: Gender and Power.” Junior year, I was the FIG Assistant for “Media Mirror” with Professor Julianna Newton. While I loved my time partially leading both of these FIGs, I am so excited to work in “Human Fragility” with Professor Erin McKenna and to meet all of you wonderful incoming students!  

I entered college determined to major in Public Relations through the UO SOJC, and eventually discovered a passion for sociology and philosophy (specifically ethics), both of which I’m minoring in. My academic interests hold a firm position in the social sciences, and I hope to attend graduate school for a Masters of Arts in Human Rights, Environmental Science or Peace and Justice. Regardless, I’m certain that I will find my path and am excited to possibly aid all you newcomers in finding yours. The topic of our FIG is something I’ve become increasingly invested in, and I look forward to continuing to grow alongside all of you.  

As for my hometown, I grew up in the suburbs of Beaverton, Oregon. I temporarily lived in Orwisgburg, Pennsylvania, but my heart belongs to Oregon. When I’m not attending classes here in Eugene, I live at home with my Mom, Dad, my seventeen-year-old brother Mason, and my two beloved Boxer dogs. When I am in Eugene, I’m either working, spending time with my roommates, or volunteering with my friends in Camp Kesem. My favorite things to do in Eugene are hang out at the river, ride bicycles, and watch the sunset from Skinner Butte or Hendricks Park. I also enjoy painting or setting up a projector in my room for movie nights. When I’m with my family, we take mini vacations consisting of camping and four-wheeling on or near the Oregon Coast. I’m always up for an adventure, and I’m looking forward to planning some with the FIG. 

I’m so excited to meet all of you and have an amazing term together--see you soon! 

Email: jsands@uoregon.edu