Jason Hopper

Jason Hopper, a second year PhD student in Cultural Anthropology, received a BA from Stanford in Science, Technology, and Society with a focus in Development. While there, he pursued a side interest in religious studies, contributing to an art exhibit on Tibetan Buddhist Mandalas and serving as president of the Buddhist Community. A trip to Bhutan in 2005 convinced Jason to combine his interests in religion and political economy. His current studies focus on how development both shapes and is shaped by the changing role of the monarchy and Buddhism in Bhutan. This summer he will explore how international development discourses inform poverty reduction programs funded by the monarchy. Jason will use his Scott Kloeck-Jenson grant to meet with government officials and local recipients of government welfare and to learn the local dialect of Tibetan.

Read more about Jason’s fellowship experience here.