Perry Zurn

Perry Zurn serves as Provost Associate Professor of Philosophy at American University, conducting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of political philosophy, critical theory, LGBTQ/trans studies, and network neuroscience. His scholarly output includes 8 authored and co-authored books alongside 100+ publications, with over 250 international talks delivered to academic and public audiences.

His research examines the politics of inquiry and voice, material histories of resistance, and knowledge ecologies, particularly through trans and disability justice frameworks. Recent work analyzes curiosity as a political practice, cisgender category formation, and citation ethics in academic publishing, demonstrating consistent engagement with marginalized epistemologies and resistance movements.

Publication trends reveal deepening integration of network science methodologies with trans philosophy and disability studies, especially in 2023-2025 works addressing neuroqueer theory, architectural styles of knowledge production, and pandemic-era ableism. This trajectory reflects his commitment to applying theoretical frameworks to contemporary social justice struggles while expanding curiosity studies beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Prior academic appointments include:

• Visiting Associate Professor of Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Cornell University
• Fellow at Cornell University's Society for the Humanities
• Visiting Scholar at University of Pennsylvania’s FQT Center
• SSNAP Fellow at Duke University
• Research Associate at Five College Women’s Studies Research Center
• Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Curiosity