A new professor in the Anthropology Department is taking a stand in educating students through the use of technology in her class to explore aspects of society.
Professor Erin J. Moran, originally from San Diego, attended the University of California in Santa Cruz and received a degree in Latin American Studies before signing on to the Peace Corps. She continued her education at the University of California Irvine, and attained a doctorate degree in cultural anthropology with the goal of becoming a professor.
Anthropologists do not only focus on fossil remains and the human development through chimpanzees, but also compare the history of humanity by understanding how it has influenced society culturally.
She has taught adults for more than 15 years, and has had the opportunity to live in Ukraine and Ecuador, where she was able to learn how to speak Russian and Spanish while teaching English.
Moran was inspired through the Peace Corps to educate students in understanding the world around them in new and fascinating ways.
She has taught at other schools in the past seven years, including Los Angeles Mission College, Los Angeles Southwest College, and the University of California Irvine.
Chairman of the History Department Brian Walsh said most professors avoid the use of technology, but she uses it extensively.
“It is very professional and well managed,” Walsh said. “It is quite a production.”
Moran said she is able become familiar with repeat students taking her courses, and is learning about their stories than when she was a part time teacher.
Jason McGrue, a Pierce student currently taking Moran’s Anthropology class, said she makes the class interactive and fun.
“I’m excited about the semester,” McGrue said. “I know I will learn a lot.”
In the next five years, Moran said she plans on keep teaching at Pierce and growing more involved on campus and in the community.
While some of her hobbies consist of traveling to new countries, reading, and writing articles. She also helps with healthcare research at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles.
Moran’s next adventures include traveling to Istanbul, and learning how to speak Italian in one day.
When asked for any piece of advice to future students interested in taking her class she said, “Come with an open mind.”
