Dr. Sameena Mulla, associate professor of social and cultural sciences, has received The Margaret Mead Award from the American Anthropological Association and the Society for Applied Anthropology.
The award is given annually to a young scholar for a particular work (book, film, etc.) that makes social science research meaningful and accessible to a broad public audience — in the spirit of Margaret Mead’s engaged, public scholarship.
“Dr. Mulla is a consummate public scholar and a generous colleague and teacher,” said Dr. Jane Peterson, professor of anthropology and chair of social and cultural sciences at Marquette. “This award recognizes both her remarkable research talents and her dedication to advocacy on behalf of others.”
Her recent book, The Violence of Care, published in 2014, illustrates the structural violence and secondary trauma that sexual assault victims undergo at the hands of U.S. medical and legal systems.
Mulla was recognized for her research, public advocacy, applied engagement and commitment to justice.
“Margaret Mead was a remarkable anthropologist, and it is an honor to receive an award named after her and dedicated to her vision of anthropology making change in the world,” Mulla said. “I feel more committed to collaborations with my community partners who serve and support survivors of violence.”
Dr. Veena Das, Krieger-Eisenhower professor of anthropology at the Johns Hopkins University, wrote a letter recommending Mulla for the award.
“Dr. Mulla’s work has been crucial to show the relevance of anthropology for police work, for interpretations of law in the case of sexual violence, as well as the importance of making anthropological findings available for public discussion,” Das wrote.
In addition to her research, Mulla has worked with attorneys and nurses across the United States to share her research findings and offer suggestions for change in practice.