About
Nancy Neiman serves as Professor of Politics at Scripps College, where her interdisciplinary scholarship bridges political economy, social justice, and community action. With expertise spanning financial markets in developing countries, Latin American political economy, and global food systems, she maintains an active research agenda while pioneering community-engaged pedagogy that connects classroom theory with real-world social change initiatives.
Her academic foundation includes:
- B.A. from University of California, Berkeley
- M.A. in Economics from Yale University
- Ph.D. in Political Science from Yale University
Professor Neiman's research critically examines how market structures intersect with social justice outcomes. Her seminal book States, Banks, and Markets (2001) established her expertise in financial liberalization, while her current project Infrastructures of Justice investigates market-driven social justice through case studies including Ugandan coffee cooperatives, Cuban financial reform, and U.S. meatpacking. Her work consistently challenges conventional economic paradigms by centering community resilience and alternative economic models.
Analysis of her publication history reveals an evolving trajectory from traditional political economy toward food justice and community-based economic alternatives, reflecting her commitment to applying academic rigor to pressing social issues. This intellectual journey demonstrates increasing integration of grassroots perspectives with theoretical frameworks.
Her exceptional contributions have earned significant recognition:
- 2016 Crossroads Service Award (honoring 6 years of dedicated service)
- 2014 Claremont Unified School District Valued Community Partner Award
- 2013 Sustainable Claremont Community Partnership Award
- 2012 Halo Foundation Community Volunteer Award
- 2011 Mary Wig Johnson Endowed Teaching Chair
- 2010 Blais Challenge Grant ($25,900 for research and at-risk youth garden project)
- 2009 Mary Johnson Community Service Award
- 2008 Claremont Colleges Presidents’ Sustainability Grant
- 2009 Claremont Colleges Presidents’ Sustainability Grant
- 2010 Claremont Colleges Presidents’ Sustainability Grant
- 2007 Mary Wig Johnson Teaching Award
- 2006 Mary Wig Johnson Community Service Award
- Multiple Freeman Program grants and Scripps College research awards
- Yale University fellowships including Ford Foundation Minority Pre-doctoral Fellowship (1987-9)
Professor Neiman has secured substantial external funding including the Blais Challenge Grant and three consecutive Presidents’ Sustainability Grants, demonstrating her ability to translate academic inquiry into community impact. Her innovative teaching approach includes founding the Plant Justice initiative with alternative high schools, organizing Meatless Monday programs connecting students with formerly incarcerated women, and teaching Inside-Out courses within correctional facilities. These initiatives exemplify her commitment to transformative education that bridges theory and practice while fostering intergenerational and cross-community dialogue.
