Lisa M Kremer

Anthropology master's student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

I am a first year master's student in anthropology. I'm especially interested in how people use food as a tool of connection and communication, and this resulted in my former work as a research assistant in an "archaeology of beer" project at VIU, where I received my Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in 2022. My honours research project was also food related, in which I examined archaeological evidence pertaining to the feasting practices of the Inka empire.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

SFU is renowned for its quality of research and it would be difficult to find a more beautiful location in which to study. When I began to explore my options for acquiring a master's degree, I was impressed by types of research represented in SFU's Anthropology department, and felt that it was the right fit for my growth and development as I pursued my own research interests.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

One of the things I love most about anthropology, is how it is used as a framework to explore what connects us as humans, while also valuing and appreciating our differences. My research examines the experiences of Muslim Canadian women who follow Islamic dietary law and celebrate food-related holidays such as Ramadan. I am interested in the affect of religiously-inspired food practices, especially for women who are often responsible for food preparation and hospitality within their homes and in community settings. My ethnographic fieldwork will focus on the relationships and experiences of Muslim woman in food-related settings, and how preparing, serving, and eating food might present a space to navigate religion, gender, and identity. Through these insights, I hope to engage a greater understanding of the complexity and diversity of Muslim women's experiences within a Canadian context, where they are statistically a religious minority, and also often an ethnic minority.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I am continually impressed by the passion and creativity of the professors with whom I've had the opportunity to learn from in the classroom, at public events, or through individual conversation. It is not difficult to be inspired in this environment, while also feeling supported to pursue my own interests.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I am honoured to have my first year of graduate school funded through a SSHRC CGS-Masters Scholarship. I was the recipient of a VIU CREATE research grant for my undergraduate Honours project in 2021. I am grateful for how these awards have allowed me to focus on my coursework and research.

Contact Lisa: lisa_kremer@sfu.ca