Neil Gerlach

Neil Gerlach is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Carleton University. He holds a PhD in Sociology from Carleton University, an MA in Anthropology from the University of Saskatchewan, an LL.B in Law, and a B.Ed in Education. His research focuses on pandemic culture, analyzing how pandemic narratives shape public imagination through media and popular culture. He also explores classical social theory, biosecurity imagery, and the intersection of science fiction with sociological critique. Gerlach’s work addresses themes like global risk, apocalyptic temporality, and the governance of biotechnology.

Education:

• PhD in Sociology, Carleton University
• MA in Anthropology, University of Saskatchewan
• LL.B in Law, University of Saskatchewan
• B.Ed in Education, University of Regina

Research interests emphasize pandemic culture’s construction of shared vulnerability in a globalized world, apocalyptic narratives in film and media, and the sociological implications of genetic technologies in criminal justice. His teaching includes courses on war sociology, classical theory, and work studies.

Gerlach’s recent articles examine Ebola media coverage, biosecurity iconography, and zombie narratives in public health campaigns. He frequently presents at conferences on pandemic discourse and futurist writing, including analyses of Richard Preston’s The Hot Zone and the CDC’s zombie apocalypse campaign.

He advises graduate students focused on pandemic sociology, war studies, and futurism. His work engages interdisciplinary themes at the intersection of law, media, and biopolitics.