When anthropologist Dr. Marnie Watson was in graduate school at the University of New Mexico, she got to participate in a big research project that focused on mental health and substance abuse issues.

That opportunity would kick start her research career. Since then, much of her work has involved studying and sharing the stories of people who have undergone traumatic experiences and struggled with mental health battles and addictions. 

Watson, who’s an associate professor of anthropology at Missouri State University, shares more about her research, which aims to unveil truth about humanity and culture.

Read the full transcript for part 1

Read the full transcript for part 2