Blair Coe Schweiger

Advisor

Dr. Mark Flinn

Research in Progress

My research interests include a mix of biological and cultural anthropology. I am intrigued by mutations in tumor pathways, the role of ancestors in family dynamics, vaccine hesitancy, how art serves as a tool for family communication, the role of indigenous diets in changes in adiposity, how social environments influence health behaviors, and the biology of tumor specific mutations in the PTEN protein.

I am particularly interested in understanding the use of biomarkers to identify resilience, especially in terms of human development as well as in chronic illness and how we might impact various levels of policy or protocol in the healthcare setting.

Education

B.S. in Anthropology, Arizona State University, 1996
Medical Anthropology courses Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador 1997-99
Public Health Coursework, University of Arizona, 2014

Awards

• Woman Of Wisdom - The Junior League of Phoenix November 2020 for efforts in promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Sandra Day O'Connor Service Award - May 2011 Junior League of Phoenix - A prestigious award meant to honor an active member of the JLP who has demonstrated consistent, outstanding dedication and service to the community at large.
• Snap Shot award for special events partnerships - The Arizona Partnership for Immunization (TAPI) April 2015
• City of Phoenix Mayor's Education Partnership Award "Innovation", City Of Phoenix, Mayor's Office April 2004
• Big Shots for Arizona Award - Innovation, The Arizona Partnership for Immunization (TAPI) May 2003

Other Information

I am a mother, wife, aunt, and daughter. I love camping, knitting, exploring, cooking, and music. I was born in Colombia and grew up in Spain and Ecuador as well as Mexico and Arizona. I am a third-generation anthropologist. My mother and I traveled by dugout canoe into the Upper Amazon where I played with the children, and we traveled to the high southwestern mesas and watched the Hopi Snake Dances from the roofs of homes in small villages. These experiences, including but not limited to the ones I write about above, are at the root of my deep desire to work in Anthropology.