Arizona State University expert directory

Alexandra Brewis believes that anthropology should be an active part of any good life.

Brewis is a biocultural anthropologist and Regents Professor at Arizona State University, addressing fundamental questions like, ‘Where did we come from?’ and ‘Where are we going?’” Brewis is focused on finding solutions to complex global environmental and health challenges. Her current work is based on field research around three primary problems, including:

Her studies explore the emotional effects of weight-related stigmas that are embedded in medical practices. These stigmas can trigger illnesses such as depression and undermine health and healing.

Brewis said the rise in social media on a global scale has increased the focus on weight around the world. Brewis is testing the efficacy of new approaches to de-stigmatization through innovations in medical training. 

For 35 years, Brewis has worked as an anthropologist in health care settings around the world, including Zambia, Haiti, Palestine and Mozambique. After working in these countries, she became interested in the idea of creating a school of global health. Brewis founded ASU’s Center for Global Health in 2006 — creating the first and still the largest undegraduate global health program. The professor and former director of ASU’s School of Human Evolution and Social Change was named President’s Professor in 2013 for her innovation and ability to inspire original and creative work by her students.

Beyond ASU, her research as a biocultural medical anthropologist led to eight authored books, including the award-winning "Lazy, Crazy, and Disgusting: Stigma and the Undoing of Global Health," published in 2019.