Monica Patterson featured as a “Rising Star” in Metro
Monica Patterson was featured in Métro as one of three rising star academics in Montreal, alongside Marc-André Verner (UQAM) and Aline Massouh (HEC Montréal). Congratulations, Monica!
English Translation of the interview:
“Young Researchers: Three Rising Stars”, August 27, 2013
Monica Eileen Patterson
Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for Ethnographic Research and Exhibition in the Aftermath of Violence, Concordia University
What was your educational background?
I have a Bachelor of Arts from Swarthmore College near Philadelphia. I spent the third year of this four-year program in Zimbabwe, where I became interested in the history of individuals, especially their memories of the war [for independence], and how it affected their lives. I then pursued my doctorate (Ph.D.) in anthropology and history at the University of Michigan, and then came to Montreal for my postdoc.
What is your main research topic?
My research focuses on individual memories and the contradictory ideas of childhood people had during the last years of apartheid in South Africa. For this project, I will create an exhibition based on my fieldwork and my archival research, but will also collaborate with my subjects who will be adding their own stories. The goal is to help South African children of yesterday and today to explore the different meanings of apartheid.
What job would you like to have in the future?
I have been offered a position as professor at Carleton University in Ottawa. I am very happy and will enter into my new post as soon as I finish my postdoc.
The article in French can be accessed by clicking this link.
