Field and archival data on indigenous Micronesian farming systems and several physical environmental factors will be brought to bear on three anthropological issues: 1) the extent to which these farming systems are optimal adaptive solutions to the problem of land-based subsistence, given the tropical island environments in which they occur, 2) the extent to which the present Micronesian high island landscapes, and past landscape changes through time, can be attributed to prehistoric farming, and 3) the extent to which farming systems research in Micronesia can contribute to a practical understanding of the reasons for successes and failures in agricultural technology transfers from first to third world cultural systems. Dr. Hunter-Anderson will offer an upper division course in Pacific archaeology and a seminar on appropriate field work strategies. Additionally, she will organize a cross-country teleconference featuring women anthropologists, active and retired, from a variety of occupations. The teleconference will enable these successful women scientists to share their experiences and perspectives. Dr. Hunter-Anderson will also give guest lectures at other UC campuses and in the local community. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.
