Profile - Lisa Becker, PhD

Lisa Becker

Instructor Profile

Meet Lisa Becker, PhD
Instructor of Anthropology

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biological Anthropology, Indiana University; Master of Arts (MA) in Biological Anthropology, Indiana University; Master of Science (MS) in Anthropology, Minnesota State University Mankato; Bachelor of Science (BS) in Anthropology/Social Studies, Minnesota State University Mankato

Question and Answer

  • Question

    Would you list some recent accomplishments?

    Answer

    Awards/Recognitions:

    • 2008: SKOMP Fellowship Recipient, Indiana University
    • 2002-2003 College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Student Leader of the Year, Minnesota State University, Mankato
    • 2002 Andreas Scholarship Fellow, Department of Anthropology, Minnesota State University, Mankato
    • 1999-2001 President, Student Anthropological Association
    • 1999 Member, Dean's Advisory Committee, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato

    Publications:

    • Becker L, Muehlenbein M, Prall, S, Shattuck, E. 2013. The impact of testosterone fluctuations on competition in women. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 150:77
    • Becker L, Blanchard S, Hurst D, Ireland E, Lewis C, Martinez L, Rich E, Singh E, Taboas C, Muehlenbein M. 2011. Behavioral correlates of salivary testosterone in healthy young adults. American Journal of Human Biology 23: 252
    • Becker L, Brown P, Muehlenbein M. 2011. Estradiol as biological measures of mood and female intrasexual competition. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 144: 85.
    • Becker, LL, Brown P, Muehlenbein MP. 2009. Estradiol, mood and female intrasexual competition. American Journal of Human Biology 21: 245
    • Lemke AA, Martinez LA, Jones LT, Becker LL, Muehlenbein MP. 2009. Measures of facial symmetry predict self-perceived attractiveness and time spent on daily beautification rituals in a sample of young women. American Journal of Human Biology 21: 259.
    • Becker, LL. 2006. An evaluation of possible associations between skeletal remains and Mimbres ceramic typology: The Galaz Ruin. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 129

  • Question

    What is your approach to teaching?

    Answer

    A love for teaching and for touching the lives of others lies at the heart of my career choice in education. Teaching, to me, extends beyond the classroom. I believe students deserve more than the basics of education; they deserve to be encouraged, mentored and welcomed as members of the academic community.

  • Question

    What inspires you as a teacher?

    Answer

    A love for teaching and for touching the lives of others lies at the heart of my career choice in education. I have been fortunate in my own academic career to have been influenced by exceptional mentors and have used them as the basis for my own approach to education.

  • Question

    How would you describe what happens during one of your most successful classes?

    Answer

    Hopefully, my classes stimulate the students to think for themselves. Anthropology requires more than memorization - you have to think outside of your own experience in order to understand others. A successful class would include conversation, questions - even if we cannot answer them - and should make the student think!

  • Question

    What makes your curriculum interesting or valuable to students?

    Answer

    The history of humanity is fascinating! We look not only at the biological basis for "us" but also that thing that truly makes us human - culture! Archaeology allows us to look at the behavior/ideas of people and cultures long after they have disappeared. Often students do not realize the contributions of these cultures and what we can still learn from them today. Environmental anthropology shows us the importance of understanding the physical world in which our culture operates and how we are impacting our world.

Fun Facts

  • Fun Fact #1

    I have made stone tools, thrown a spear with an atlatl and helped butcher animals with prehistoric tools. I spent seven weeks in the field at an archaeological dig in the interior of Alaska and can absolutely guarantee I've dug more outhouse accommodations than anyone you know!

  • Fun Fact #2

    I do a spot-on imitation of Sarah Palin. Occasionally, I break it out during lecture to see if everyone is listening.

  • Fun Fact #3

    I am a huge civil war nerd. I've been to every major battlefield and most minor ones as well.

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