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Anthropology professor’s book lends valuable insight into the history of Sephardic Jewish traditions in Indianapolis for a new documentary

Fri, Mar 31, 2023

When two local filmmakers set out to create a cinematic history of Sephardic Jewish traditions in Indianapolis, it was only natural that they sought out Dr. Susan Hyatt, Anthropology professor, for her expertise and narrative approach to bringing customs and culture to life.

In 2020, Dr. Hyatt led a collaborative research project, “The Neighborhood of Saturdays”, that included Department of Anthropology along with community-based organizations, the Concord Neighborhood Center, Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation, South Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, the Southside Picnic Committee, the Old Southside Neighborhood Association and the Stadium Village Business Association to update and digitize their archival research into a digital oral history of a near Southside Indianapolis neighborhood, focusing on the experiences of two communities― Sephardic Jews and African Americans.

While conducting research for their new documentary, “Who We Are”, Sarah and Aaron Margolis-Greenbaum found Dr. Hyatt’s publication The Neighborhood of Saturdays:  Memories of a Multi-Ethnic Community on Indianapolis' South Side and they couldn’t wait to meet her.

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Museum studies students shine as Museum of Broken Relationships Indianapolis exhibit opens

Wed, Feb 08, 2023

University research can have a huge impact in the life of a student and the IU School of Liberal Arts Museum Studies Program is excelling in providing research opportunities that are greatly enriching its undergraduate and graduate students. Several Museum Studies students are taking part in a new academic challenge and discovering their passion for community-engaged research.

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Religious Studies professor receives one of eight inaugural IU Presidential Arts and Humanities Fellowships

Fri, Jan 20, 2023

Dr. Edward Curtis is one of eight Indiana University faculty members who have been awarded the inaugural IU Presidential Arts and Humanities Fellowship in 2022. The program aims to accelerate and amplify the work of outstanding IU faculty poised to become national and international leaders in their fields. Each recipient will receive $50,000 in funding to support their research or creative project, participate in professional development and collaborate with other faculty. Curtis’ fellowship will support his work in Arab American and Muslim American history.

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Geography associate professor examines thermal disparities in American cities to help combat the negative effects of urban heat exposure

Wed, Dec 14, 2022

Significant thermal disparities exist among predominantly white, Black, Hispanic and Asian communities in America’s 200 most populous cities, according to new research from Daniel Johnson, associate professor of geography, at the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI.

In the study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Johnson examined surface urban heat islands, areas within a city that experience much warmer temperatures than their surrounding landscapes. The research will expand understanding of the dynamic nature of inequitable urban heat exposure and provide new insight into actions cities can take to improve the lives of residents. 

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Religious Studies professor selected to co-lead study to explore enrollment patterns among minoritized racial and ethnic groups in Indiana’s Medicaid expansion

Fri, Nov 18, 2022

Dr. David Craig, Professor of Religious Studies, at the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI, has been selected to participate in one of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s leadership programs. These programs connect changemakers across the country—from every profession and field—to learn from and work with one another in creating more just and thriving communities.

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