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, affect 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.