Abigail H. Neely

Dedicated to building bridges between disciplines in geography and African studies, Abigail H. Neely serves as an Associate Professor of Geography at Dartmouth College. With a keen interest in the intricate interactions between humans and their environments, she is also an Affiliated Faculty member in African and African American Studies and the Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution, Environment, and Society. Her research delves into the complex relationships among local communities, government entities, and development workers, as well as the dynamic interplay between people and non-human actors such as crops, nutrients, and even elements of traditional belief systems like witchcraft. Professor Neely employs a diverse array of methodologies to gain a comprehensive understanding of these interactions. Her approach includes oral history collection, ethnography, household surveys, focus groups, participatory GIS, and archival research. These methods allow her to capture the nuanced ways in which people think and practice within their environments. By integrating epidemiological and ecological data, she also seeks to unravel the roles and influences of non-human actors in these settings. Her work is deeply rooted in political ecology and science and technology studies, with a particular focus on human-environment interactions. She is committed to exploring feminist methods and their application in understanding these complex dynamics, especially within the African context. Her research not only sheds light on the socio-political dimensions of environmental issues but also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing global challenges. Through her teaching and research, Professor Neely aims to inspire a new generation of scholars to think critically about the interconnectedness of social, political, and environmental systems. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive and dynamic academic environment is evident in her commitment to mentoring students and collaborating with colleagues across various disciplines. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is actively involved in initiatives that promote sustainable development and health in African communities. Her work continues to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex relationships that shape our world, emphasizing the importance of integrating diverse perspectives and methodologies in geographical research.