Erin Dean

Erin Dean serves as an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of History at Carnegie Mellon University's Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She joined the department in 2024 and maintains her office at 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

As an environmental anthropologist, Dr. Dean's research critically examines the intersections between environmental and social justice issues. Her scholarly work spans renewable energy systems and electrification initiatives, with additional research conducted on gender dynamics, cosmological frameworks, community-based conservation models, agricultural practices, participatory forestry approaches, and political authority structures in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Her teaching portfolio encompasses diverse courses in environmental humanities and qualitative research methodology.

Dr. Dean's research demonstrates a strong commitment to understanding how environmental challenges intersect with social justice concerns, particularly through community-centered approaches in East African contexts. Her work bridges anthropological theory with practical applications for sustainable development and community empowerment.

While specific details about her advising activities are not provided in available materials, her expertise in qualitative research methodology suggests she likely mentors students in ethnographic fieldwork and research design. Her position as a Teaching Professor indicates a primary focus on undergraduate and graduate instruction within the History Department's curriculum.