Faculty Profile

Mike MerrifieldMike Merrifield

Anthropology Instructor
Email: mmerrifield@saddleback.edu
Phone: (949) 582-4384
I joined Saddleback College in 1977 to create a Tutorial Program which remains in operation to the present time, known as the Learning Assistance Program (LAP). In 1985, I became a member of the Behavioral and Social Sciences Division as an anthropology instructor.

I am currently the tribal anthropologist for the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemem Nation of Orange County, California working on their petition for Federal Recognition. Other research focuses on the Irish/Latin American connections associated with struggles of liberation and independence, and the introduction of Irish surnames found within the U.S. African American population.

I also conduct student, study abroad programs to Belfast, N. Ireland, Scotland, Mexico, and Cuba. Interests: bicycling, sailing, gardening, and shamanistic practice. One Desire: to learn more about the art of falconry from my cousin, Tom Smylie, and to fly stringless kites on the llanos of Mexico Nuevo. 
 

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