Elise Anderson

Bio

Dr. Elise Anderson is an ethnomusicologist and world area expert with a focus on Uyghur music and culture. Her research and teaching are informed by her background as a trained vocalist and multi-instrumentalist (clarinet, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, soprano recorder, and dutar, a two-stringed, long-necked lute at the heart of Uyghur musical culture).

Dr. Anderson earned dual Ph.D. degrees in Ethnomusicology and Central Eurasian Studies from Indiana University-Bloomington. She has served in multiple volunteer capacities within the Society for Ethnomusicology (SEM), most recently as a member of the SEM Council (2019–2022). She is also an alumna of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and Fulbright-Hays and was a National Finalist for the White House Fellowship in 2022.

At present, Dr. Anderson holds additional affiliations as a Professorial Lecturer in the Elliott School and Nonresident Visiting Scholar in the Sigur Center for Asian Studies at GW; Nonresident Senior Fellow at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy; and Developmental Editor at Stray Cats Ink. She is also an avid Lindy Hopper and serves on the board of directors of New Columbia Swing, D.C.’s premier swing dance organization.