Eva Steinberg

Eva Steinberg student photo

Research Interests

  • Seeds, heritage, material culture, genetics, STS, Southern US

Subfield: Cultural Anthropology

My research looks at seed preservation to untangle histories of commodification, reproduction, and memory.  I situate these studies among British botanical gardens, international seed banks, and southeastern US farms and gardens to trace how a colonial context has and continues to affect these seed saving efforts. I am interested in considering how the mobility of seeds is a strength for preservation, while also looking at the consequences of decontextualizing a seed from its physical and social environment. This I received my BA from Wesleyan University in Anthropology, Biology, and Environmental Studies. Prior to starting grad school, I worked at a number of farms, botanical gardens, seed saving organizations, and as a cheesemonger.