Linda Zekovitch presented a paper at the 50th Anniversary meeting of the Society of Medical Anthropology, held at Yale University, Sept. 24-27, 2009. She discussed her research on Cambodia refugees which investigated how "traditional" food practices among Khmer refugees have changed over time and how they are coping with dietary acculturation. Prior to their arrival in the United States, Khmers were subjected to slave labor and deprived of sufficient nutrients under the Khmer Rouge regime. Many subsisted on nothing more than thin rice gruel, while others were desperate enough to forage for anything that seemed eeible, including poisonous plants and animals. Linda is examining how Khmer refugees perceive changes in their diet and culture after relocating to the United States. Many of these refugees could not speak or read English, and thus many were unable to prepare or identify what was considered healthy food. She is interviewing Khmers  in the Philadelphia and New York area  for her research, under the mentorship of Dr. Cosminsky.

Andrea Layton, a sociology major, was awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission of the State of New Jersey.  The King Scholarship Award is one of the Commission’s highest honors and is awarded to those who have demonstrated an active interest and meaningful involvement in the areas of human rights, civil rights, social justice and whose activities are exemplary and reflective of the ideals and life of Dr. King.  This is not the first honor Andrea has received.  Last year, she was the recipient of a Ronald McNair academic scholarship, which prepares participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.   

In addition to her accomplishments in her classes, Andrea keeps very busy with other activities.  In September 2008, she was elected president of Jumpstart, a program for at-risk pre-schoolers that is affiliated with the LEAP Academy Charter School in Camden.  During the summer, she attended the Center for American Women and Politics New Leadership Program, a residential program that educates college women about politics and policy making and inspires them to get involved in the political process.  She is also president of the National Society of Leadership and Success, an organization that helps students discover and achieve their goals.  

Andrea plans to attend graduate school next year to pursue studies in public policy and public administration.