Dr. M. Diane Hardgrave
Shinnecock Nation
Dr. M. Diane Hardgrave is a distinguished medical anthropologist with a rich background in international fieldwork and academia. Descended from the Shinnecock Nation, she has served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Liberia and worked extensively with Save the Children across various African nations. Her research focuses on the impact of cultural beliefs and practices on human health. Having traveled extensively throughout Africa, Europe, and New Zealand, Dr. Hardgrave has presented her findings at the United Nations, advocating for the incorporation of anthropological methods in emergency relief efforts for refugee populations in East Africa. During her sabbatical in 2020, she studied indigenous medical systems in New Zealand.
In the United States, she has collaborated with alternative medical groups to explore how non-western health practices are perceived and utilized. Dr. Hardgrave stresses the importance of embracing diverse medical systems for comprehensive healing, highlighting the role of medical anthropology in this endeavor. Dr. Hardgrave holds degrees from Marist College, Ohio University, and UNLV, and has taught at several institutions, including Southern Methodist University and Nevada State University. She has also served as President of the Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness.
At CSN, Dr. Hardgrave has established the first Anthropology Laboratory and developed courses in Medical Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology, and Physical Anthropology Lab. She has received awards for her teaching excellence and is known for integrating mindfulness techniques into her classes to aid students with stress reduction and learning.
In addition to her teaching and research, Dr. Hardgrave advises the Anthropology Club and continues to engage in invited talks and presentations on alternative healing practices. She was awarded the Regents Teaching Award in 2019 and named Distinguished Faculty of the Year in 2017 at CSN. Her contributions have been featured on CSN's Coyote News.
