Sharon Merz, Ph.D.

International Anthropology Coordinator, Senior Anthropology Consultant

Degrees

  • Ph.D., Social Anthropology, University of Exeter, UK, 2018
  • M.A. (with distinction), Death Studies/Social Anthropology, Trinity Saint David, University of Wales, UK, 2013
  • B.Ed. (with honours), Education and Geography, University of Birmingham, UK, 1991

Current positions

  • Certified Senior Anthropology Consultant, SIL International, 2021–
  • Overseer, Journal of Community-based Language and Social Research (JCLSR) 2022-
  • International Anthropology Coordinator, SIL International, 2020–
  • Lecturer, Moorlands College, UK, 2020–
  • Co-editor, Anthropology Allspice Journal, SIL, 2019–
  • Anthropology Consultant, SIL Togo-Benin, 2013–
  • Linguist and Project Worker, Mbelime language, SIL Togo-Benin, 2002–

Other professional experience and service

  • Visiting lecturer, Theological College of Northern Nigeria, Nigeria, 2018–2021
  • Anthropology Consultant, SIL International, 2013–2020
  • Anthropology Coordinator, SIL Togo-Benin, 2009–2014, 2019
  • Visiting lecturer, Redcliffe College, UK, 2013–2019
  • Assistant Editor, Ethno-Info Anthropology Journal, SIL Africa, 2013–2017
  • Applied Studies Coordinator, SIL Togo-Benin, 2006–2009

Professional memberships

  • Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute, UK, 2010–

Language proficiencies

  • English (eng): ILR 5
  • French (fra): ILR 3

Research interests

  • Anthrozoology
  • Cryptozoology
  • Anthropology of Death
  • Christianity and Religion
  • Anthropological Theory
Benin