Anna Tsing

Professor Anna Tsing is a distinguished anthropologist known for her interdisciplinary research on globalization, ecology, and the intersections of human and non-human life. She is a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where her work spans anthropology, environmental studies, and the humanities. Tsing's research is recognized for its innovative approach to understanding the social and ecological effects of capitalist expansion, with a particular focus on the environment and marginalized communities.

One of Tsing's most influential works is "The Mushroom at the End of the World: On the Possibility of Life in Capitalist Ruins," where she explores the matsutake mushroom trade as a lens to examine the economic, ecological, and cultural processes of survival in a post-industrial world. The book gained critical acclaim for its exploration of how non-human species and human livelihoods interact in precarious environments, providing a unique perspective on resilience and regeneration.

In addition to her written work, Tsing is a key figure in collaborative research projects like the Feral Atlas, an online interactive project that investigates the unintended ecological consequences of human infrastructures. Her scholarship has significantly shaped contemporary discussions on the Anthropocene, where she engages with the idea of how humans and non-humans share and shape the planet in often unexpected ways.

Tsing’s contributions to anthropology and environmental studies have earned her numerous accolades, including fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her work continues to inspire scholars across fields, pushing the boundaries of how we understand both global capitalism and environmental degradation.

Tsing received her BA from Yale University and completed her MA and PhD at Stanford University.