John Mathias is an assistant professor with dual expertise in the fields of anthropology and social work. His research and teaching interests focus on environmental justice and community action. He studies how environmental hazards, such as pollution and tornadoes, effect socially marginalized and under-resourced communities. He also studies how people within communities respond to such threats and work to bring about their visions of environmental justice. He teaches about macro social work, including topics such as community organizing, civil engagement and social movements.

Areas of Focus 

• Community Organizing and Social Change
• Civic Engagement and Civil Society
• Social Movements
• Environmental Anthropology
• Environmental Social Work
• South Asia
• Southeastern United States

Education

PhD, 2017, University of Michigan; Social Work and Anthropology
Certificate, 2011, American Institute of Indian Studies; Advanced Malayalam Language
MSW, 2010, University of Michigan; Social Work
BA, 2002, University of Michigan; Creative Writing and Social Science

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=yiQMh2QAAAAJ&hl=en   

Publications

Austin, M. J., Anthony, E., Tolleson Knee, R., & Mathias, J. (2016). Revisiting the Relationship Between Micro and Macro Social Work Practice: A Springboard for Discussion in Our Academic and Practice Communities.  Families in Society

Mathias, J. (2015). Thinking Like a Social Worker: Examining the 
Meaning of Critical Thinking in Social Work. Journal of Social Work Education, 51(3), 457-474.

Mathias, J. (2010). Of Contract and Camaraderie: Thoughts on What Relationships in the Field Could Be. Collaborative Anthropologies, 3, 110-120.

Funding

2012-2014    Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship, U.S. Department of Education, for twelve months of research in India.