Angeline Gunewardena ’84

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Angeline Gunewardena, who received her master’s degree in social anthropology in December of 1984, has brought fresh insight to understanding the cultural and economic development of emerging societies. Her compelling analyses are supported by a foundation of cogent research and a passionate interest in effecting positive social change.

Taking an interdisciplinary approach to her studies, Gunewardena has used the medium of film to augment her research. She has completed two documentary ethnographic short subjects: “Black African Art Forms” and “Afro-Caribbean Festival.”

Gunewardena’s eagerness to share the academic and cultural experiences of UCLA is expressed in her work with the Union of Pan-African Graduate Students, a campus organization that provides outreach and orientation programs for incoming minority students. As a research associate for the School of Public Health project “The Cultural Context of Epilepsy in the Black Community,” she took a personal interest in participating families, demonstrating a profound warmth and sensitivity.

Gunewardena is continuing her pursuits in the Ph.D. program of the anthropology department. This summer, she will undertake field world in Sri Lanka, collecting data on infant mortality and survival in rural village populations.