Graduate Profile: Anthony Sutton
Anthony Sutton
What year & semester did you begin EES graduate studies?
Fall 2015
What degree are you pursuing?
Ph.D.
Who are your academic advisors?
John Daigle.
What prior degrees do you have?
B.A. in History and M.A. in Communication
Why did you choose to attend grad school at UMaine? Why did you choose EES?
I believe in the mission of land and sea grant institution. This program allowed me to do applied research, think of innovative ways to assemble data, and to continue living/working in the area I love.
Briefly describe the research project you are working on.
I am interested in working within communities to understand how research can support community projects and/or solve local problems. My dissertation focuses on qualitative interviews from Passamaquoddy fishers. The decision to do interviews, design of research questions, and analysis all took place in collaboration with the Passamaquoddy Environmental Department in order to produce information relevant to supporting current and future projects around fisheries conservation.
What has been your favorite class at UMaine so far?
Bridie McGreavy’s Rhetorical Ethnography class.
What has been your most rewarding research experience and why?
Fieldwork has taken me from the beaches of Southern Maine, to the Passamaquoddy Bay in Washington County. Every time I get in the car I realize how grateful I am to be able to do what I do in this state.
What advice to do you have for prospective graduate students?
When I first saw campus, I knew it was the place I wanted to be. Departments are not just selecting qualified students but people they want to work with. Reach out to faculty and students in advance to see if the department is right for you.
Are you interested in mentoring undergraduates?
Absolutely!