Andrew Flachs

Andrew Flachs is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Purdue University, where he has been a faculty member since 2017. He also serves as Affiliated Faculty in Global Studies and has connections to the School of International Studies. His academic journey began at Oberlin College, where he earned dual Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts degrees in 2010, before completing his Ph.D. at Washington University in St. Louis in 2016.

• Ph.D., Washington University in St. Louis (2016)
• B.A. and B.Mus., Oberlin College (2010)
• 2016-2017 Volkswagen Exchange Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Heidelberg University

Dr. Flachs specializes in environmental anthropology, political ecology, and food studies, with regional expertise spanning South Asia, North America, and Eastern Europe. His research examines food and agriculture systems, exploring genetically modified crops, heirloom seeds, and the human microbiome. His work among farmers investigates ecological knowledge and technological change in agricultural systems ranging from Cleveland urban gardens to Indian GM cotton fields.

His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on the intersection of agricultural technology, sustainability, and human experience. Recent work explores the connections between ethnobiology and degrowth theory, examining how communities understand and manage socio-ecological relationships through imaginative research approaches that challenge conventional growth paradigms.

• Society for Economic Anthropology Kate Browne Creativity in Research Award (finalist)
• International Convention of Asia Scholars' Book Prize (finalist)

Dr. Flachs maintains an active presence in both academic and public discourse, with writing featured in Sapiens, Salon, and National Geographic magazine. His teaching portfolio includes Introduction to Anthropology, Food, Culture, and Power, Colonialism, Globalization, and Food Justice, and Ethnographic Research Methods. He is engaged with broader academic issues through organizations like the American Association of University Professors and the Scholars Strategy Network, advocating for educational access and academic freedom.