Denise Brennan

Denise Brennan is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at Georgetown University, co-founding the Gender+ Justice Initiative. She holds academic appointments in the College's Department of Anthropology and serves as Department Chair. Her research focuses on migration, borders, human trafficking, sex work, and climate change, with expertise in global cities and policy analysis. Brennan’s work critiques legal frameworks and advocates for marginalized migrants.

Education: Ph.D. from Yale University, M.A. from Johns Hopkins University, and B.A. from Smith College.

Her research explores how undocumented migrants navigate daily life amid deportation threats, analyzing border policing beyond physical borders. Current projects include studies on climate-displaced workers and disaster response. She has authored influential books like Life Interrupted and What’s Love Got to Do with It?, examining trafficking and sex work strategies.

Awards include teaching excellence awards and a fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Study. Her work is featured in major media outlets and she advises NGOs like HIPS and Different Avenues, prioritizing migrant rights advocacy. She founded the Trafficking Survivor Leadership Training Fund, supported by royalties from her publications.