He holds a Ph.D. in Folklore and Ethnomusicology from Indiana University (2004), and has conducted field research on popular music and youth identity (Malawi); folks arts & material culture (southern Indiana, the Pacific Northwest); the cultural history of African American communities in Eugene/Springfield; and the use of wireless technology in cultural heritage work. Current research projects include work on pedagogy and media, cultural and artistic entrepreneurship, and public engagement through arts. Joi M. Sears | Cincinnati, OH