Anitra Higgins

Program management professional with proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and driving project success. Skilled in strategic planning, risk management, and resource allocation. Known for adaptability, problem-solving, and fostering collaboration to achieve results. Proficient in optimizing processes and aligning initiatives with organizational objectives.

My research interest follows a biocultural perspective related to food and wellbeing. My current research interest is on the intersections of nutrition, toxicology, and institutional structures and the impact they have on Black and Indigenous health and agency. Particularly I am interested in how Black and Indigenous people navigate unjust food systems and maintain cultural connections through food and community building.

Associate Instructor - Indiana University - Aug 2022-May2024

• Instructed 60-90 students on biological and anthropological evolutionary concepts
• Enhanced classroom engagement by incorporating real-world examples and interactive activities.
• Assisted senior staff in course preparation methods, seminar organization and presentations promotions.
• Served as a mentor for new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance on effective instructional strategies.

Independent Research – Dr. Andrew Flachs Lab – Researcher Aug 2020-May 2021

• Determining the relationship between comfort and struggle food within Black Soul Food.
• Identifying key aspects that describe the nutritional health of Black Soul Food.

Pink Panthers of Purdue Majorette Team – Fundraising Chair/Choreographer  Jan 2019-May 2021

• Choreograph various dances for 5+ performances a semester
• Record meetings and practice events

Association of Multicultural Science Students - Secretary  Sept 2018- May 2021 

• Kept record of events and meetings
• Helped spread awareness of the organization to incoming and prospective students.

Multicultural in Science Programs - Member Aug 2017-May 2021 

• Attend career focused seminars
• Lead volunteer outreach events for current and prospective students

WIU Archaeology Field School  Summer 2019

• Excavated Mississippian mound culture at Orendorf site in Illinois.
• Identified ceramics, ochre, and bone fragments from Orendorf and Rice Lake Terrace site.

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation - Member Aug 2018-Dec 2018 

• Conduct research under advisement of a faculty mentor
• Presented in and attended research seminars and presentations

Thesis:

Higgins, A. (2024). Socioeconomic Disparities in Ultra-Processed Food Consumption: Incorporating Political Ecology in Nutrition and Toxicological Policies (Master's thesis, Indiana University).

Applied Anthropology Grad Research and Scholarship Development Grants - 2025 -Pending

Prestigious Diversity Fellowship

Provost Distinguished Graduate Fellowship

May Llyod J. Jandos Scholar

Emerging Leaders Scholarship

The Alan & Sharon Levy Scholarship

Mr & Mrs Wm F Steck Sr Scholarship

Edmond and Mary Henelt Scholarship

Black Caucus Award Recipient 2017 and 2018