Lesley A. Sharp

Lesley A. Sharp, associate professor of anthropology at Barnard College, will write a book about organ donation that examines the history and changing terms of social acceptance for transplant technology. Organ transplantation is considered one of the greatest medical miracles of the 20th century, yet Sharp's data reveal significant public distrust of the process. Sharp will trace how trust and distrust have shaped public policy on organ transfer and will conclude with an effort to show how medical anthropology and bioethics can join forces to transform current policy approaches.