Thomas O'Brien

Thomas O'Brien is a Moores Professor in the Department of History at the University of Houston's College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Specializing in Latin American history, culture, politics, and labor, his research explores U.S.-Latin America relations from the age of revolutions to globalization. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut and has held leadership roles as Department Chair for nine years.

• Specializes in Latin American history, U.S.-Latin America relations, and labor studies
• Recipient of University of Houston Alumni Association Outstanding Faculty Award and College of LAS Service Award
• Chair of the History Department for nine years

Dr. O'Brien's research spans comparative labor history, economic imperialism, and global integration, with a focus on transnational corporate impacts and political transitions in Latin America. His publications highlight U.S. enterprise in Chile, Cuba, and broader regional dynamics.

• Winner of the Robertson Prize (Conference on Latin American History) for best article in Hispanic American Historical Review
• Contributed to debates on economic integration, corporate expansion, and postcolonial labor systems

Teaching undergraduate courses like 'The U.S. and Latin America' and graduate seminars in U.S.-Latin America relations and historiography, he has advised numerous thesis and dissertation committees, shaping scholarship in transnational labor and economic history.