It’s a visually stunning tradition: each spring, Southern faculty compete in a photo competition that spotlights their research. David Paulson, ’10, an instructor in the Department of Anthropology, won this year’s “Best in Show” prize with his striking image from a recent trip to Vietnam.
“I’ve spent two years of my life there,” says Paulson, 38, who has visited the country 10 times.
Much of his research focuses on the Cham community, an ethnic minority recognized for its matriarchal social structure, Sanskrit-derived language and writing, vibrant weaving and pottery traditions, ancient structures, and unique rituals related to birth and death.
“They say you are born three times in Cham religious philosophy,” says Paulson. “The first is from your biological parents, the second is when you marry, and the third is when you pass into the spirit realm to join your spirit ancestors.”
In Cham tradition, the deceased are buried with meaningful items for about two years. The skeletal remains are then exhumed, followed by a multiday cremation ceremony.
Paulson’s award-winning photo spotlights a powerful aspect of this ritual: religious dignitaries who are fluent in the Cham language are reading palm-leaf manuscripts to cleanse the earth. “This allows members of the village to transition to the higher spiritual plane,” says Paulson.
Southern Journey
As an undergraduate, Paulson transferred to Southern from Housatonic Community College. Originally drawn to photojournalism (hence his great eye), he discovered anthropology after reading Southern’s Undergraduate Catalog cover to cover. “There were courses on Native Americans, religion, international issues — everything I was interested in,” says Paulson, who majored in anthropology with minors in Asian studies and psychology.
His focus on Vietnam — “a pivot led by serendipity and destiny,” he says — was inspired by mentor C. Michele Thompson, professor of history. She was developing an exchange program focused on immersive language study and encouraged Paulson to join. In the summer of 2010, he spent a month in Ho Chi Minh City, learning the Vietnamese language.
Thanks to Thompson, Paulson also connected with local anthropologists, including a Cham student. A casual coffee meeting led to an invitation to visit the student’s village — and centered Paulson’s research focus.
He went on to graduate school at Temple University and was awarded a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant for 2016–2017. His research explored the developmental experiences of Cham children, whose native language is endangered. Paulson also taught English-language classes to Cham community members and the staff of the UNESCO Center in Phan Rang.
Today, he’s come full circle as a Southern instructor. “I always integrate the Cham culture into my classes, as well as the importance of field study,” he says.
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