Toralf Zschau

Toralf Zschau is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Human Services at the University of North Georgia (UNG). He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Oklahoma State University (2010), an M.S. in Plant Biology from Arizona State University (1999), a B.S. in Biology from the University of Idaho (1997), and a vocational degree in Electrical Engineering from BBS Paul Schwarze in Germany (1988). His research focuses on environmental sociology, political sociology, and social psychology, with particular emphasis on authoritarianism, environmental justice, and social movements. He advocates for activist public sociology and has explored topics such as decentralized democracies and the role of social networks in addiction recovery.

Dr. Zschau teaches courses including Introduction to Sociology, Environmental Sociology, and Social Capital and Deviance. His publications span peer-reviewed journals like Symbolic Interaction and Environmental Pollution, as well as edited volumes. He has advised multiple undergraduate thesis projects, including studies on drug court participant success and body image in sororities. His work bridges theoretical frameworks (conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, social network analysis) with applied research on policy and activism.

At UNG, he emphasizes fostering an environment where students engage in critical discourse while adhering to institutional policies and safety standards. His academic contributions reflect a commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, combining sociological theory with practical applications in education and public policy.