Open to opportunities

Agota Abran

@agotaabran

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Social anthropologist focused on human and ecological interconnections.

Romania

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What I'm looking for

I seek opportunities that allow me to further explore human-environment interactions and contribute to community-based ecological initiatives.

I am a dedicated social anthropologist with a profound interest in the intricate relationships between humans and non-human entities, particularly within the realms of environmental anthropology. My recent role as a researcher at the Petrus Italus Trust has allowed me to engage deeply with community dynamics and biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of natural factors in shaping community identity. Through qualitative research, I have explored human-nature interactions, contributing to significant projects that aim to enhance community engagement and awareness of ecological issues.

Previously, I served as a postdoctoral researcher at New Europe College, where I focused on citizen science initiatives aimed at fostering environmental citizenship. My work involved planning and executing qualitative research on human-bird relations, which not only enriched my understanding of biodiversity but also highlighted the educational potential of engaging communities in environmental stewardship. My academic journey, culminating in a PhD from the University of Aberdeen, has equipped me with a robust foundation in social anthropology, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to discussions on ecological interconnections and community resilience.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Researcher in Environmental Anthropology

Petrus Italus Trust, Babeș-Bolyai University

Jan 2023 - Jan 2024 (1 year)

Conducted qualitative research on human and nature interactions, focusing on biodiversity and community engagement. Responsibilities included consulting project partners, presenting findings at conferences, and writing articles.

Qualitative Research Community Engagement Data Analysis

Postdoctoral Researcher

New Europe College

Jan 2021 - Jan 2023 (2 years)

Led qualitative research on human-bird relations within the EnviroCitizen project, emphasizing citizen science and environmental citizenship. Engaged communities through blog posts, reports, and educational materials.

Qualitative Research Community Engagement

Research Fellow in Social Anthropology

History and Art Museum

Sep 2018 - Jan 2021 (2 years 4 months)

Focused on human-environment interconnections through research and dissemination efforts. Organized events and contributed to museum education initiatives.

Research Museum Education Community Engagement

Assistant Researcher

Innovation Research Foundation

Aug 2017 - Sep 2017 (1 month)

Contributed to research on political clientelism and electoral irregularities, supporting the development of comprehensive measurement frameworks.

Research Data Analysis Clientelism Studies

Teaching Assistant

University of Aberdeen

Oct 2016 - Sep 2017 (11 months)

Assisted in teaching courses on social anthropology, focusing on human-animal relationships and the introduction to anthropology.

Anthropology

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Aberdeen

PhD, Social Anthropology

2013 - 2018

Conducted research for a PhD thesis titled 'The ingredients of plant medicines: On the process of plants becoming medicinal in Romania'. Focused on the intersection of social anthropology and ecological studies.

University of Aberdeen

M.Res, Social Anthropology

2012 - 2013

Completed a Master of Research with a thesis titled 'Making Romanian Pharmacopoeia', exploring the cultural and scientific aspects of Romanian medicinal practices.

Eötvös Loránd University

B.A., Social Sciences

2008 - 2012

Grade: First

Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences with a thesis titled 'Needles, Solutions, Laboratories. Eclectic healing through doctor-naturopath case studies', focusing on alternative healing practices.