Kelly McFarland, MS
Anthropologist
Community-Based Research
Educator
UX Research and Design
Data Analyst
GIS Mapping Specialist
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I conduct insightful mixed methods research, using critical thinking and creativity to iterate sustainable solutions.
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I specialize in anthropology of food and nutrition, with interests in food system development, integration of local food systems, and reinforcing food sovereignty.
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Additional interest in aging in the U.S. and the supports and services available to the growing community of older adults.
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Special interests in integrating technological advancements in low-fidelity environments and implementing AI for assistance in sustainable solutions to wicked problems.
Background
My main focus as an anthropologist and ethnographer is to accurately convey community and consumer interests and goals.
The beginning of my journey into community-based research and design was through entering the world of marketing as an untrained administrator in the motorcycle industry. My experiences in life; moving around to different areas of the U.S., being a new person in so many different settings, being a single mother, having a tendency to be a part of and apart from every group, and interacting with so many different and awesome communities of people led me to pursue a degree as a social scientist an adult. I achieved a Master's of Science in Applied Anthropology from UNT in 2019 and through that educational track, I have been participating in, designing, educating , and managing community-based research projects, both personally and on teams, for over ten (10) years. As a person interested in how we as common citizens can reframe the world around us, I believe that implementing a user-based approach to understanding and conducting research is critical to not only grasp the context of a goal or barrier, but to developing sustainable solutions.
Case Studies
This was a project working on an international team of researchers to perform qualitative analysis on almost 600 interviews with people living alone with cognitive impairment.
This is a ethnographic research project, completed December 2019.
Local Bakery Mobile App Project
This is a UX Design project, completed for the Coursera Google UX Design certification in May, 2023.
Community Based Research in Food Studies: Evaluating the Covid-19 Pandemic's Impact on Food and Diet
This was a project-based learning course project that we developed in ANTH 4701.047 An Applied Anthropology of Food in the U.S.
This is a qualitative research project developed to understand patron satisfaction of using the UNT Food Pantry.
This is a data analysis project, completed as a part of the Coursera Google Data Analysis Certification program in May 2023.
Education
Degrees
Certifications
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Masters of Science - Applied Anthropology | UNT 2019
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Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology | UNT 2016
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Associate of Arts - General Studies | TCC 2011
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Google Data Analytics Specialization | Coursera 2023
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UX Design Certification | Coursera 2023
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Introduction to Human-Centered Design | Acumen Academy and IDEO 2021
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Geographical Information Services Professional Certification | UNT 2019