Alexandria Casteel

Alexandria Casteel – Fall 15

In what city or town did you grow up in?
I was born in a small town in east Texas called Palestine. My dad was in the military so I was raised all over the world.

Where are you currently living?
I am living in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire/Vermont.

What was your major?
While at NYU I majored in anthropology and minored in environmental studies.

Why did you choose to study away at NYU Sydney?
NYU Sydney was a great abroad site because it offered courses in both anthropology and environmental studies.

How would you describe your experience at NYU Sydney?
My experience at NYU Sydney was life changing. The South Pacific region has had a profound affect on my life, shaping my desire to return back to the region for future academic, personal, and professional ventures.

What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class while studying at NYU Sydney was Eco-Criticism, a critical theory course surveying literature across the environmental humanities. This class was my favorite because for the first time I saw my two academic interests— nature (environmental studies) and culture (anthropology)— come together. In general, I experienced this merge both within the classroom and around Australia.

Did you undertake an internship and what did you think of the experience?
I undertook an internship at the Wilderness Society Sydney and it was an incredible experience. Early on I was given a lot of responsibility and even helped to facilitate the People’s Climate March in Sydney.

What was your favorite trip, excursion (Student Life or class related)?
My favorite excursions were those we took in my anthropology courses: La Perouse, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the National Gallery of Australia (in Canberra), and the NSW Art Gallery— to name a few.

Where are you currently working/studying?
I am currently pursuing a doctorate degree in anthropology at Dartmouth within the Ecology, Evolution, Ecosystems, and Society (EEES) program. My research is based in New Zealand examining the application of legal personhood to the Whanganui River.

When thinking about your experience at NYU Sydney what stands out to you most?
The Milky Way Galaxy as seen from the Outback—truly breath taking. (pictured below).

How has your experience at NYU Sydney impacted life after college?
My experiences at NYU Sydney continue to shape me today. After leaving Sydney I knew I wanted to some day return to the South Pacific to pursue academic research. I will return to the region next year— New Zealand 2020.