Erik Carlson

Erik Carlson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science, Public Administration & History at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). He holds a Ph.D. in US military and 20th-century history from Texas Tech University (1996), an M.A. in U.S. diplomatic history (1989), and a B.A. in History (1986), all from Texas Tech University. His research focuses on military strategy, public history projects, and World War II studies.

Carlson has contributed to public history initiatives such as the USS Mohawk Collection (2018), Lee County Memorial Health Systems History Project (2016), and the FGCU 20th Anniversary Oral History Project (2016). He curated exhibits like 'SWFL in World War II' (2019) and 'Lost B-26' (2018) at the IMAG History and Science Center. His academic publications explore Allied Pacific War strategies, civilian impacts in military campaigns, Holocaust-related refugee policies, and post-WWII aviation diplomacy with Mexico.

Carlson teaches courses including U.S. History Since 1877, Military History (1900–91), and Public History methodologies. His work bridges academic research with community-based historical preservation efforts.