1. George K Hristovitch
1215 Elizabeth St.
Lafayette, IN 47904
(765) 430-7667
ghristovitch@ivytech.edu
EDUCATION:
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Ph.D. in Anthropology (2012)
Dissertation: “Urban Mysticism in Sofia, Bulgaria: Alienation, Existential Mediation, and the Appeal of
Sufism-Based Self-Help Programs in Contemporary Eastern Europe”
I investigated the experiences of members of a self-healing and self-development club in Sofia, Bulgaria,
which is part of larger network of Sufism-based clubs, themselves spanning all over Eastern Europe and
Central Asia. The focus of the investigation was on the impact of membership on the social interactions of
members, the personal progress they achieved, and how group membership affected feelings of
alienation. I also investigated how this group fit into the broader contemporary Bulgarian social scene.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
M.S. in Sociology & Anthropology (2006)
Area of Concentration: Cultural Anthropology
Thesis: “Nestinarism: Fire-walking in the Balkan Peninsula”
I studied ecstatic traditional healing in rural Bulgaria. My project framed the rituals, practices, and
experiences of the healers I studied in the context of contemporary psychology and alternative and
complementary medicine.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
B.S. Economics (2004)
Areas of Concentration: Political Science and Communication
Minors: Psychology and Political Science
TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, Lafayette, IN
Adjunct Instructor – “Cultural Anthropology” ANTH 154 (2012 – Present)
Developed syllabus and overall course structure, and administered all grades.
“Cultural Anthropology” ANTH 154 ASAP version (Associate Accelerated Program)
In addition to regular duties, I coordinated my efforts with other instructors teaching for the accelerated
associate program, and participated in the design and implementation of improvements to course
curriculum and other aspects of the project. In addition, I attended weekly team meetings, helped to
assess the well-being of participating students, provided additional academic support, and assisted in
planning community involvement and enrichment programs.
“Introduction to Sociology” SOCI 111
"Cultural Diversity" SOCI 245 (traditional and accelerated versions)
“Social Problems” SOCI 252
University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
Adjunct Instructor – “Cultural Diversity” Online (2009 – Present)

2. Modified and developed syllabus and overall course structure, and administered all grades.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Teaching Assistant – “Psychological Anthropology/Social Psychology” (2006)
Graded assignments, organized review sessions and guest lectured.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN
Course Mentor – “Cultural Anthropology” ANTH 154 (2015-Present)
Maintained the master version of ANTH 154, implemented improvements and updates, and assisted
instructors in teaching the course and addressing student questions and concerns.
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN
Course Designer – “Cultural Anthropology” ANTH 154 (2014)
Designed an online introductory cultural anthropology course that is currently in use at all Ivy Tech
campuses.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Document Search Assistant, Purdue University Technical Information Service (2004-2006)
Assisted clients in locating and retrieving research materials.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Research Assistant, Purdue University Department of Psychological Sciences (2002-2003)
Recruited interviewees, conducted interviews, organized focus groups and assisted in interview question
design for an anthropological study of smoking habits.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Research Assistant, Purdue University Department of Sociology (2002)
Gathered and analyzed articles relating to news media portrayals of teen violence.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Editor, Undergraduate Journal of Political Science (2001-2002)
Participated in the selection process of papers to be published.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Research Assistant, Purdue University Department of Animal Science/USDA (2000-2002)
Gathered data and research materials for various projects, prepared equipment and materials for
experiments, and maintained laboratory equipment.
FIELD RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:
Dissertation Field Work. Sofia, Bulgaria (2007-2011)
Master’s Field Work. Bulgaria (various regions) (Winter 2006)
LANGUAGES:
 Bulgarian - fluent, able to read and write proficiently.
 Russian - competent in speaking and reading.
 Arabic – three undergraduate semesters.
 German – two undergraduate semesters.

3. MEMBERSHIPS, ACTIVITIES AND PRESENTATIONS:
 Presented a paper on alienation and prejudice at the Annual Meeting of the Central States
Anthropological Society (Spring 2012).
 Presented a dissertation summary at the Annual Meeting of the Society for the Anthropology of
Consciousness (Spring 2010).
 American Anthropological Association
 The Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness
 Habitat for Humanity volunteer (2002)
 Lafayette Urban Ministry volunteer (2001)
 Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Indianapolis volunteer (organized after school
activities for at-risk youth) (2002)