Personal Background

I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, but have strong ties to Michigan and Iowa. I also acquired another home in recent years: a small village in the Indian Himalayas where I have been conducting fieldwork since 2012. 

Left: The Saint Louis Arch and skyline
Right:   Frankfort, Michigan lighthouse, February 2006

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Art

I majored in studio art as an undergrad. My primary medium was oil paint, but I also did quite a bit of photography. I have not have much time to devote to this work in recent years, although I still do some photography on the side. 


Left:  Wall in Vilnius, Photograph 2005 
Right: Untitled oil painting, 2006

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Family Background

I am fourth in a lineage of men by the name Harry William Fischer. My grandfather, Harry William Fischer II (1921-1998), was a radiologist and a distinguished researcher in his field. My father, Harry William Fischer III, is a psychiatrist and a self-styled philosopher-farmer. My mother, Nancy Cibulka is a former professor of Nursing at Saint Louis University and a nurse practitioner.

Right: Harry W. Fischer II (1921-1998)​

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Hobbies
In addition to my academic pursuits, I am an avid runner, biker, and trekker. Every summer I go on long multi-day bike tours, tent & sleeping back strapped to the back of my bike. Perfect freedom. 
Right: After completing a 200km brevet, Hyderabad, India
Below: Sunrise from the high Dhauladhars, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India