Dr. Karen Waltorp

Biography

Karen Waltorp is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Copenhagen. Her research focuses on the intersection of digital media, emerging technologies, and their implications for personhood and local environments. She has extensive experience conducting ethnographic fieldwork in South Africa, Denmark, West Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. As the Principal Investigator for various research projects, including 'CLAIMS Energy Citizenship South Africa,' she collaborates with notable institutions such as the University of Cape Town. Waltorp's work explores how technological advancements shape energy and social futures, particularly through studies involving smartphone use among young Muslim women. She actively contributes to the academic community through teaching and serving on editorial boards for anthropological journals. Her influential publications include her monograph 'Why Muslim Women Use Smartphones' and several co-edited volumes on energy and technology. Additionally, she coordinates the Multimodal Ethnography Network under the European Association of Social Anthropologists and has held visiting scholar positions at prestigious universities. Waltorp is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary anthropology and mentoring students in maximizing their research potential.

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