Sharon A. Bays
Nashville
Summary
Experienced educator and former adjunct professor in Cultural Anthropology with a solid foundation in ethnographic research and critical thinking. Track record of mentoring students and leading discussions that enhance cultural sensitivity and interpersonal skills. Passionate about advancing knowledge in diverse community settings.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Caregiver
Three Rivers
01.2018 - 12.2023
- Cared for my mother-in-law, Freda Sharp, who was diagnosed with severe dementia and arthritic pain.
- Wrote 'Plan of Care: Freda J. Sharp' to explain the work being done to keep her healthy, alive and thriving.
Senior Lecturer in Anthropology and Gender Studies
University of California at Los Angeles
Los Angeles
01.1997 - 12.2013
- Taught courses such as The Anthropology of Food, Hmong Studies, Women's Studies 10, and Women's Studies 120.
- Created and taught courses that required students to engage in ethnographic research
- Mentored students to support academic and personal growth initiatives.
- Evaluated student performance through tests, quizzes, presentations, projects, or other assessments.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to encourage critical thinking and collaboration.
- Attended conferences and workshops to stay up-to-date on best practices in higher education.
- Supervised independent studies conducted by individual students or small groups of students.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work, Emphasis On Clinical Work. 4.0 GPA
University of Tennessee
Nashville, TN12-2026
PhD - Cultural Anthropology
University of California At Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA11-1994
Masters of Arts - Cultural Anthropology
UCLA
Los Angeles, CA06-1988
Bachelor of Arts - Cultural Anthropology
UCLA
01.1985
Skills
- Ethnographic research and analysis
- Cultural sensitivity and ethics
- Interpersonal communication
- Relationship management
- Problem solving and community engagement
Awards
- 2009, Recipient of Grant from the Women's Studies Dept for work mentoring undergraduate Honors students, $1,600
- 2004; 2006, Recipient of 'Excellence in Teaching Award' in the Women's Studies Department
- 1994, Recipient of the 1993-1994 Graduate Women of the Year Award by the UCLA Association of Academic Women.
Publications
- 2014 and the Year of the Horse Both Taste Delicious: Why People around the World Eat to Celebrate the New Year, 01/31/2014, Zocalo Public Square
- What's Culture Got to Do With It: 'Cultural Preservation' and Hmong Women's Activism in Central California, 1999, Transforming Anthropology
- Work, Politics and Coalition Building: Hmong Women's Activism in a Central California Town, 1998, Community Activism and Feminist Politics
- Dissertation. Cultural Politics and Identity Formation In a San Joaquin Valley Hmong Community, 1994, UCLA
Community Service
- 1991-1992, Taught Hmong Children Photography and Created a Photo Show of their Work.
- 1990-1993, Laotian Gardens gardener and participant in garden social networks and exchanges.
- 1992-1993, Helped to start a women's group where refugee women could voice their concerns.
Future Plans
- 12/2023, Applied to the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Social Work Program.
- 01/2024, Accepted into UTK Graduate Social Work Program.
- 08/2024, Began Social Work Program with emphasis in Clinical Work at UTK.
- First year 4.0 GPA
Timeline
Caregiver
01.2018 - 12.2023
Senior Lecturer in Anthropology and Gender Studies
University of California at Los Angeles
01.1997 - 12.2013
Master of Science - Social Work, Emphasis On Clinical Work. 4.0 GPA
University of Tennessee
PhD - Cultural Anthropology
University of California At Los Angeles
Masters of Arts - Cultural Anthropology
UCLA
Bachelor of Arts - Cultural Anthropology
UCLA