معرفی
Brian Gareau is a Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs at Boston College's Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences, where he oversees academic planning and faculty development for Humanities and Social Sciences departments. His administrative role involves strategic planning, faculty hiring, and interdisciplinary program supervision, complementing his position in the Department of Sociology. Previously, he served as Associate Dean for the University Core Curriculum (2018-2023).
Education:
- B.A. from Providence College
- M.S. from Washington State University
- M.A. and Ph.D. from University of California, Santa Cruz
His research examines environmental sociology through multiple lenses: global environmental governance (especially ozone/climate treaties), society-nature relations, and agrofood systems. He directs a multidisciplinary lab studying climate change impacts on New England cranberry production, analyzing social networks, adaptation strategies, and ecological sustainability. His work bridges political economy, science studies, and rural sociology to critique neoliberal environmental policies.
Publications demonstrate consistent focus on global environmental governance (Montreal Protocol, Basel Convention) and agricultural systems under climate stress. Recent articles emphasize cranberry growers' adaptation strategies, social networks, and the 'treadmill of production' in Massachusetts agriculture. Theoretical contributions include world-system analyses and critiques of civil society's role in environmental treaties.
Scientific Awards:
- 2022 RADS Grant for cranberry production research
- 2013 Choice Outstanding Academic Title (International Relations)
- 2015 Liberal Arts Grant for environmental encyclical programming
- 2014 Ignite Grant for climate-change cranberry research
- 2008 SSSP Global Division Paper Competition 1st Place
He leads a research lab investigating social-ecological dynamics in cranberry farming, supported by major grants. His teaching spans environmental sociology (SOCY5562), climate change (SOCY1501/EESC1501), and interdisciplinary seminars including a course on Tolkien's Middle Earth as ethical framework.
