Bio


Richard is conducting ethnographic research on the daily lives of children in California's foster care system who live in therapeutic group homes. He questions how relationships of trust and attachment are formed, both between children and their adult caregivers, as well among the children themselves. His project comes during a time of a massive legal reform of California's foster care system--reform which, among other things, attempts to improve the quality of care that children receive while they are placed in group homes. Through his research, Richard hopes to contribute to a qualitative, "micro-logical" analysis of the social-psychological barriers to realizing the values of political liberalism. He also hopes to contribute to the growing interest in anthropology of studying the cultural worlds of children who are experiencing mental and behavioral distress.

Before starting this research, Richard worked as a volunteer CASA (court appointed special advocate) for a child in foster care for four years. He later worked for CASA as a volunteer supervisor.

Education & Certifications


  • B.A., The University of Texas at Austin, Anthropology (2005)
  • M.A., Columbia University, Anthropology (2010)
  • Certificate, University of Alaska Southeast, Outdoor Skills and Leadership (2020)
  • Wilderness First Responder, National Outdoor Leadership School, Outdoor Education ahnd Leadership (2017)

Service, Volunteer and Community Work


  • Court Appointed Special Advocate, CASA (8/30/2012 - 5/1/2016)

    Served as the legal advocate for a youth in foster care during court hearings. Sought and received therapeutic and educational services for youth, while developing a strong bond of trust and rapport.

    Location

    California

Personal Interests


Music peformance and composition; alpine and outdoor sports; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts; nature and social documentary photography.

Current Research and Scholarly Interests


Ethnographic research describes the daily lives of children in California's foster care system who live in therapeutic residential group homes. Research questions how relationships of trust and attachement are formed between children and their adult caregivers, as well as among the children themselves.