Anthropology student wins award for her research

Aleah Goldin, ’13, an anthropology major at the University of Richmond, won the paper competition at the Southern Anthropology Society’s 2013 Conference in Johnson City, Tenn. with her paper titled “Baria Zasal Healing in the Modern Mongolian Medical Landscape.”

Goldin’s research focused on how biomedicine has affected the epistemology and practices of present day Mongolian bone setters. Bone setting is an ancient medical tradition that has not been widely studied but plays a vital role in the Mongolian medical system.

Goldin learned of bone setting while studying abroad in Mongolia. “My host family brought it up; their son had recently needed to visit a bonesetter because he fell off his horse and hit his head,” she said. She hopes that her research will shed light on this rarely explored topic.

“I was honored and delighted to win the paper competition,” Goldin said. Her winnings included a $200 cash prize and a selection of books. In addition, her winning paper will be published and archived on the Southern Anthropology Society’s website.

Goldin attended the conference with anthropology professor Dr. Jennifer Nourse and three fellow students, and found the experience rewarding. “Not only was it a chance for us to learn about anthropology theories and topics, it was a time to meet some of the leaders of the field,” she said.

Goldin will also present her research at the Student Symposium on Friday, April 19 at the Modlin Center.