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CURRICULUM VITAE
Christopher T. Fisher, Department of Anthropology, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University
2000 Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison.
1994 M.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison.
1992 B.A., Michigan State University.
ACADEMIC POSITIONS
(2005-Present) Assistant Professor, Anthropology, Colorado State University
(2001-2005) Assistant Professor, Anthropology, Kent State University
(2000-2001) Post-doc., Archaeology, Arizona State University
HONORS AND AWARDS
2007 Gordon R. Willy Prize, American Anthropologist, Washington, D.C.
For C. Fisher 2005 Abandoning the Garden: Demographic and Landscape Change in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Mexico. American Anthropologist 107(1): 87-95. (This prize recognizes the best archaeology paper published in the American Anthropologist over a period of three years).
T. Thurston and C. Fisher (eds.) 2007 Seeking A Richer Harvest: The Archaeology of Subsistence Intensification, Innovation, and Change. Studies in Human Ecology and Adaptation, #3, Springer, New York. 275 pp.
C. Fisher and G. Feinman (eds.) 2005 Landscapes Over Time: Resilience, Degradation, and Contemporary Lessons, Special ‘In Focus” Section. American Anthropologist 107(1):62-69
C. Fisher 2005 Abandoning the Garden: Demographic and Landscape Change in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Mexico (Winner, Gordon R. Willey Prize, American Anthropological Association, 2007). American Anthropologist 107(1): 87-95
I. Israde-Alcántara , V. Garduño-Monroy, C. Fisher, H Pollard. 2005 Climate, Lake Level Change, and the Impact of Natural Events: The Role of Seismic and Tectonic Activity in the formation of the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Mexico. Quaternary International 135:35-46
C. Fisher, H. P. Pollard, I. Israde-Alcántara, V. H. Garduño-Munroy, S. Banerjee. 2003 A Reexamination of Human Induced Environmental Change Within the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 100 (8) 4957-4962.
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1999 C. Fisher and T. Thurston (eds.). Dynamic Landscapes as Socio-Political Process: The Topography of Anthropogenic Environments in Global Perspective. Special Section in Antiquity 73:630-631
1999 C. Fisher, H.P. Pollard, C. Frederick. Intensive Agriculture And Socio-Political Development in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico. In, C. Fisher & T. Thurston (eds.), The Topography of Anthropogenic Environments in Global Perspective. Special Section in Antiquity 73:642-649
1994 H. Pollard, C. Fisher, G. Feinman Archaeology and Public Policy: A Response to O’Hara et al., 1993. American Anthropological Society Bulletin, March
Non-Refereed Journal Articles:
G. Feinman and C. Fisher 2005 The Dangers of Ignoring the Evidence: Hurricanes, Hazards and Survival. Anthropology News, American Anthropological Society, November, Vol. 46, No. 8:20
G. Feinman and C. Fisher 2005 Time, Tumult and the Science of Survival: Is American Civilization Smart Enough to Recover? Chicago Tribune, Sep 18.
2000 C. Fisher Book Note; Blue Lakes & Silver Cities: The Colonial Arts and Architecture of West Mexico, by Richard D. Perry. Santa Barbara: Espadaña Press. Latin American Antiquity 11: (2) 213-213
Refereed Chapters in Books:
C. Fisher (in press) Landscape Change and the Tarascan State. In Polities and Power: Archaeological Perspectives on the Landscapes of Early States, edited by Steven E. Falconer and Charles L. Redman (eds). University of Arizona Press, Tucson.
T. Thurston and C. Fisher (eds.) 2007 Introduction to Seeking A Richer Harvest: The Archaeology of Subsistence Intensification, Innovation, and Change, T. Thurston and C. Fisher (eds). Studies in Human Ecology and Adaptation, #3, Springer, New York
T. Thurston and C. Fisher (eds.) 2007 Conclusion to Seeking A Richer Harvest: The Archaeology of Subsistence Intensification, Innovation, and Change, T. Thurston and C. Fisher (eds). Studies in Human Ecology and Adaptation, #3, Springer, New York
C. Fisher 2007 Agricultural Intensification In The Lake Pátzcuaro Basin: Landesque Capital As Statecraft. In Seeking A Richer Harvest: The Archaeology of Subsistence Intensification, Innovation, and Change, T. Thurston and C. Fisher (eds). Studies in Human Ecology and Adaptation, #3, Springer, New York
E. Stokstad, (Interview with C. Fisher). 2003 Too Few Hands is Hard on Land. ScienceNOW Science AAAS, March 17, 2003. http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2003/317/1
C. Popson, (Interview with C. Fisher). 2003 Soil Savers. Archaeology July/August, P. 11.
C. Fisher, H. Pollard 2006 Permit Request (Approved): Una Investigación Geoarqueológica en el Sureste de la Cuenca de Pátzcuaro: Un Estudio Piloto. Consejo Nacional de Arqueología, Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, Mexico. 18 pp.
C. Fisher, M. Elliott 2007 Permit Request (Approved): Un Reconocimiento De Campo De La Isla Apupato, Michoacán, México. Consejo Nacional de Arqueología, Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, Mexico. 14 pp.
C. Fisher, H. Pollard. 2007 Interim Report (Approved): Una Investigación Geoarqueológica en el Sureste de la Cuenca de Pátzcuaro: Un Estudio Piloto Informe Técnico Parcial, Temporada 2006. Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, Mexico. 28 pp.
Manuscripts Accepted for Publication - Books:
C. Fisher, B. Hill, G Feinman (eds)(nd) The Socio-Natural Connection: Integrating Archaeology And Environmental Studies For 21st Century Conservation. Accepted by the University of Arizona Press, Spring, 2006, Pending Revisions.
Manuscripts Accepted for Publication - Refereed Chapters in Books:
C. Fisher, B. Hill, G Feinman (nd) Environmental Studies For 21st Century Conservation. In The Socio-Natural Connection: Integrating Archaeology And Environmental Studies For 21st Century Conservation. Accepted by the University of Arizona Press, Spring, 2006, Pending Revisions.
C. Fisher (nd) Abandoning the Garden: The Population/Land Degradation Fallacy as Applied to the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Mexico. In The Socio-Natural Connection: Integrating Archaeology And Environmental Studies For 21st Century Conservation. Accepted by the University of Arizona Press, Spring, 2006, Pending Revisions.
B. Hill, C. Fisher, G Feinman (nd) The Socio-Natural Connection: Closing Comments. In The Socio-Natural Connection: Integrating Archaeology And Environmental Studies For 21st Century Conservation. Accepted by the University of Arizona Press, Spring, 2006, Pending Revisions.
External:
2009-2010 Water, Politics, and the Built Environment: Human Eco-dynamics and the Origin of the Tarascan State, Lake Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, Mexico. C. Fisher, H. Pollard. National Science Foundation (BCS 0818662) $209,000.00
2006 Human Ecodynamics and the Formation of the Tarascan State in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Mexico. C. Fisher, H. Pollard. Heinz Foundation for Latin American Archaeological Research. $10,000.
2002-2006 Collaborative Research: Landscape Reconstruction in Zacatecas, Mexico. B. Nelson, C. Fisher. National Science Foundation (BCS-0211145) $110,000
1996 National Science Foundation Dissertation Improvement Grant (SBR 963-3745); Intensive Agriculture and the Development of the Tarascan State.
Internal:
2007-2008 Institute Of Society And Environment: Discovery And Understanding Of Resilience And Brittleness In Land Use And Ecosystems (DURABLE). C. Fisher, K. Galvin. Colorado State University Artist Enhancement Award, $65,000
2006 Colorado State University Professional Development Award $1700; State Formation in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin.
2005-2006 State Formation in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin. C. Fisher, G. Kelley, Colorado State University Artist Enhancement Award $27,000
2004 Kent State University Summer Research Award $6500; Landscape Reconstruction in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Mexico.
2003 University Teaching Council, Kent State University, Summer Development Award sponsored by the Honors College, $6500.
2002 Kent State University Summer Research Award $6500; Landscape Reconstruction in Zacatecas, Mexico.
PAPERS PRESENTED/SYMPOSIA/INVITED LECTURES/PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
2007 C. Fisher Scale and the Landscape in West Mexico: The Lake Pátzcuaro Basin and Malpaso Valley Case Studies. In Historical Ecology And Agriculture: Multi-Scalar Perspectives On The Courses And Consequences Of Agrarian Land Use, Organized by Gregory Zaro. Society for American Archaeology, 72nd Annual Meeting, Austin Texas, April 25-29, 2007
2007 H. Pollard, C. Fisher Wetlands in Human Adaptation and Social Evolution in the Purépecha Heartland. In Exploring Raised And Drained Wetland Field Agriculture In Latin America Through Historical, Cultural, And, Technical Perspectives, Organized by J. Lohse and F. Delgado. Society for American Archaeology, 72nd Annual Meeting, Austin Texas, April 25-29, 2007
2006 C. Fisher Exploring the Land Degradation Population Fallacy: Lessons from West Mexico. In Exploring Scholarly and Best-selling Accounts of Social Collapse and Colonial Encounters, Organized by P. McAnany and N. Yoffee Anthropologists in Interdisciplinary Projects”. American Anthropological Association, 104th Annual Meeting, Dec 1-4, Washington D.C.
2006 C. Fisher, H. Pollard Resources, People, and Modern Conservation: Long-term Landscape Histories as Conservation. In New Perspectives on the Organization of the Tarascan State, organized by K. Rebniger and A. Hirshman. Society for American Archaeology, 71st Annual Meeting , San Juan, Puerto Rico, 26 - 30 April 2006.
2006 C. Fisher. A Comparison of Conquest era Landscape Transformation in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Mexico, and the Malpaso Valley, Mexico. In Long-Term Culture Change and Continuities in Post-Conquest Mesoamerica, organized by J Palka and W. Fowler. Society for American Archaeology, 71st Annual Meeting , San Juan, Puerto Rico, 26 - 30 April 2006.
2004 C. Fisher. Prehistoric Landscapes of Western Mexico: Human Eco-dynamics and Modern Agroecology. In The Socio-Natural Connection: Integrating Archaeology And Environmental Studies For 21st Century Conservation, organized by C. Fisher and B. Hill. Society for American Archaeology, 69th Meeting, April , 9-13, Montreal, Canada.
2005 C. Fisher, H. Pollard, Resources, People, and Modern Conservation: Long-term Landscape Histories as Conservation. Paper presented in the session “The Role of Anthropologists in Interdisciplinary Projects”. American Anthropological Association, 104th Annual Meeting, Dec 1-4, Washington D.C.
2004 C. Fisher Invited Presentation: Past Land practice as modern conservation: Setting the Agenda in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico. 2004 Armour Symposium Indigenous Ecologies and Sustainability: Humans and Landscape Past and Present, Chicago Field Museum, organized by C. Fisher and G. Feinman.
2003 M. Elliott, C. Fisher, R. Molina-Garza, B. Mata, B. Nelson. An Interdisciplinary Approach to Landscape Evolution in the Malpaso Valley, Zacatecas, Mexico (Poster). Society for American Archaeology, 68th Meeting, April , 9-13, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
2003 C. Fisher, H. Pollard, Israde-Alcántara, I., Garduño-Munroy, V. H., Banerjee, S. A reexamination of Human Induced Environmental Change Within the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico. Preprint-Abstracts of the 3rd International Limnogeology Congress, Tucson Arizona.
2003 I. Israde-Alcantara, V. H. Garduño-Monroy, C. Fisher The Pleistocene-Holocene Catastrophic Events In The Lakes Of The Mexican Volcanic Belt: The Lake Pátzcuaro Case Study. Preprint-Abstracts of the 3rd International Limnogeology Congress, Tucson Arizona
2002 Mata-González, B. M., Molina-Garza, R. S., Fisher, C. T., Elliott, M., Nelson, B. A. Evidencia de cambio climático-ambiental reciente en la Mesa Central, Zacatecas: geomorfología, estratigrafía del Cuaternario y magnetismo de rocas. Poster Presented at the Unión Geofísica Mexicana, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
2001 Fisher C. T. “Lessons Past and Present: the ‘Columbus polemic’ and the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin”. Society for American Archaeology, 65th Meeting, April , 18-22, New Orleans, Louisiana. Poster, General section on New World Archaeology
2001 “Columbus Polemic Debate and Central Mexico: Recent Evidence From the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico”. Kent State University Anthropology Colloquium, Kent, Ohio.
2000 “Landscape Change and Socio-political Development in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico”. Arizona State University Anthropology Colloquium, Tempe Arizona.
1999 “Affect, Effect, or Non-effect: Agricultural Intensification and Centralization In Pre-Tarascan Pátzcuaro”. Society for American Archaeology, 64th Meeting, March 24-28, Chicago, Illinois. In the symposium “New Perspectives on Subsistence Intensification”, organized by Christopher Fisher and Tina Thurston.
1999 “Taríacuri’s Or Vasco de Quiroga’s Mess? Prehistoric Empire Building, Colonialism And The Western Mexican Landscape”. Society for American Archaeology, 64th Meeting, March 24-28, Chicago, Illinois. In the symposium “Beyond Ethnohistory: The Archaeology of Prehispanic Michoacán, Mexico”, organized by Helen Pollard.
1999 “Magnetic Attractions At The Regional Scale: Environmental Magnetism And Landscape Archaeology” Society for American Archaeology, 64th Meeting, March 24-28, Chicago, Illinois. In the forum “Soil Magnetism and its application to Archaeological Work”, organized by Rinata Dalan and Subir Banerjee
1998 “Landscape Change and Socio-Political Development Within the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico.” Society for American Archaeology, 63rd Meeting, March 25-29, Seattle, Washington. In the symposium ” Dynamic Landscapes as Socio-Political Process: The Topography of Anthropogenic Environments in Global Perspective”, organized by Christopher Fisher and Tina Thurston.
1998 “Current Landscape Research Within the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico.” 21st Annual Midwest Mesoamericanists Conference, March 6-7, Michigan State University.
1997 “Landscape change and the Tarascan State.” Society for American Archaeology, 62nd Meeting, April 2-6,Nashville, Tennessee
1995 "Raised Fields and State Formation in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico." Society for American Archaeology, 60th Meeting, May 3-7, Minneapolis Minnesota
1994 "Land Degradation In The Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico, During The Late Postclassic." 17th Annual Midwest Mesoamericanists Conference, March 18-20, Loyola University of Chicago
2007 – June, Consultant. NSF Sponsored Research in the Shala Valley, Northern Albania.
2007 – June, Consultant. NSF Sponsored Landscape Research in Northern Portugal.
2007 – July, PI. CSU Sponsored Landscape Research in The Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico.
2006 – June-July, Co-PI. Heinz Foundation Sponsored landscape research in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico.
2004 – June, Co-PI. NSF Sponsored landscape research in the Mal Paso Valley, Zacatecas, Mexico
2003 – June, Co-PI. NSF Sponsored landscape research in the Mal Paso Valley, Zacatecas, Mexico
2002 – June-July; Co-PI, NSF Sponsered landscape research in the Malpaso Valley, Zacatecas.
2000 – October-November; Conducted an initial landscape survey within the Malpaso Valley, Zacatecas, Mexico.
1997 – April-June; Conducted dissertation research within the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico.
1996 - February-August; Conducted dissertation research within the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico.
1995 — June-August; Field Supervisor, survey of the lakeshore zone within the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico. Principle Investigator: Helen P. Pollard, Michigan State University
1994 — June-August; Field Supervisor, Excavation of an Epi Classic -Late Post Classic period Tarascan administrative center in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico. Principle Investigator: Helen P. Pollard, Michigan State University
1993 — June-August; Field Supervisor, Excavation of a Classic period shell workshop site near Ejutla, Oaxaca, Mexico. Principle Investigators: Gary Feinman and Linda Nicholas, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
1991 — June-August; Field Supervisor, Excavation of an Epi Classic -Late Post Classic period Tarascan administrative center in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico. Principle Investigator: Helen P. Pollard, Michigan State University.
1990 — June-September; Field Supervisor, Survey and excavation of an Epi Classic-Late Post Classic period Tarascan administrative center in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán, Mexico. Principle Investigator: Helen P. Pollard, Michigan State University
1988-1989 — Field Assistant, Various CRM projects throughout Michigan