Stephanie Bryan is a postdoctoral fellow in the School of History and Sociology. She researches and teaches on topics such as environmental history, food studies, southern history, and digital humanities.
1. What do you research, and what kind of impact does it have?
My research centers on subsistence landscapes that formed on the margins of cotton from the era of enslavement through Jim Crow apartheid. This work deepens our understanding of the class prejudices, racial associations, and gender formations that historically affected and frequently suppressed the consumption of a range of native plant and animal species, including muscadine, pokeweed, opossum, and persimmon.
2. Why did you choose to work at Ivan Allen College?
I really appreciate the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of Ivan Allen College, which brings together researchers from so many different backgrounds and combines technical expertise with social responsibility.
3. What's your #1 piece of advice for students or alumni interested in your field?
History is all about telling new stories about our past. Learn from different fields, lean into your interests, and use your unique perspective to tell the world something only you can.
4. What are your hobbies and favorite things to do outside of work?
I enjoy scent work training with my dog, going on botanical hikes, and cooking with friends.
