Talking to America: Iranian Communities in Southern California, USU’s new digital exhibit, showcases findings from Dr. Afsane Rezaei's and Dr. Ehsan Estiri's ethnographic research with the Iranian-American communities of Southern California. The exhibit is the result of one year of field research in Southern California during 2017-18 and summer 2021, documenting the diversity of Iranians' cultural, religious, and political practices in the U.S. The interactive exhibit presents some of their research findings in an accessible format, using images and videos paired with contextual information that grounds each practice in the history and politics of contemporary Iran and its diasporic communities in the U.S.
Afsane is an Assistant Professor in the USU English Department. Her research addresses the intersections of folklife, gender, religion, and politics, particularly in the Middle East and its diaspora in the US.Her research interests include folklore and new media, vernacular religion, and feminist folklore/anthropology, particularly relational and intersectional dynamics of agency in women’s shared performances and personal narratives. 
Ehsan is a Visiting Professor in the USU English Department. Guided by his background in cultural anthropology, folklore, and Middle East studies, his research addresses the ways individuals and communities employ everyday life genres such as food, narratives, and festival to respond to broader power relations and dominant regimes of display. His research interests include politics of tradition, Islam in the Middle East and the global North, and internalized racism in communities of color.
Talking to America can be viewed here on the USU digital exhibits webpage.
Mufti Nadimul Quamar Ahmed is a graduate student in his second year, pursuing a doctorate in sociology at USU. He recently helped survey Utahns to see if environmental concerns affect the decision to have children.
Utah State University President’s Office recently held receptions for this year’s round of inaugural lectures. Three recently promoted faculty in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences presented thoughtful reflections on their research and the even...
