Jess Newman
About Jess Newman
Jess Newman is a lecturer and assistant professor at Temple University, specializing in medical anthropology and public health. Her research focuses on the experiences of vulnerable women in Morocco, particularly regarding access to care and unplanned pregnancy.
Current Position at Temple University
Jess Newman serves as an Assistant Professor at Temple University in the Greater Philadelphia Area since 2018. In her role, she teaches courses in medical anthropology, anthropology of public health, North Africa, and reproduction. She designs her courses to cater to both anthropology majors and interdisciplinary students, ensuring a broad educational experience.
Previous Experience at Yale University
Jess Newman has held multiple positions at Yale University. She worked as a Doctoral Candidate from 2010 to 2017, where she focused on her research in medical anthropology. Additionally, she served as a Graduate Teaching Fellow from 2012 to 2013 and as an Instructor for two months in 2016. She also holds a certificate in Advanced College Teaching Preparation from Yale University's Center for Teaching and Learning.
Research Focus and Publications
Jess Newman's research examines the experiences of vulnerable women in Morocco, particularly in relation to access to care and unplanned pregnancy. Her dissertation, titled 'Making the Mère Célibataire: NGOs, Activism, and Single Motherhood in Morocco', received the Association for Feminist Anthropology Dissertation Prize. She is currently completing a book manuscript titled 'Beyond the Back Alley: Abortion and Care in Morocco', which connects local abortion politics to transnational feminist movements.
Educational Background
Jess Newman earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Anthropology from Yale University between 2010 and 2017. She also holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Sociocultural Anthropology from Yale, completed from 2010 to 2013. Earlier, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Women's Studies and English Language and Literature from the University of California, Irvine, from 2005 to 2008.
Work Experience in International Education
In addition to her academic roles, Jess Newman has experience working with the U.S. Department of Education. She was a Fulbright Student Research Fellow in Morocco from 2008 to 2009 and served as a Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Grantee for two months in 2011. She also worked as a Translator for DAI in 2010 for four months.