Matthew Buttacavoli, a recent M.A. anthropology graduate, was featured in the Central States Anthropology Society (CSAS) bulletin for Spring 2016. Here is the excerpt from the bulletin:
Where in the World is Matthew Buttacavoli?
Small Papers, Big Rewards
Big things can come from little presentations. Granted, my presentation at the 2013 Annual Meeting in St. Louis on cellphones and culture change wasn’t small, but neither was it my greatest work. Developed from a research paper for one of my classes, all I intended was to practice my presentation skills. Last summer, to my surprise, I was asked by the Information Society Journal to write a book review after being recommended by a colleague who saw my cellphone presentation. The book I reviewed (Don Slater’s New Media, Development & Globalization) went on to inspire my current doctoral research project at James Cook University, in Cairns, Australia. These avenues opened up before me because I chose to participate in the CSAS Annual Meetings, and my experience is only one of multiple experiences that have been made possible by this unique space. I encourage any student reading this to consider presenting even ―small research at future CSAS Annual Meetings because great things can happen.
The Department of Anthropology is extremely proud of the accomplishments of their students and hopes that Matthew's story will inspire more students (undergraduates and graduates) to present their research at future conferences.