James Tejani

James Tejani is an Associate Professor in the History Department at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), part of the College of Liberal Arts. His research focuses on modern U.S. history, particularly the antebellum period through the Great Depression, with an emphasis on California, the American West, and Pacific world history. He holds a PhD from Columbia University (2009) and a BA from UC San Diego (1998).

• Education: Columbia University (PhD, 2009), UC San Diego (BA, 1998).

Tejani’s work explores the intersection of political economy, environmental change, and state-building. His current book project examines the Port of Los Angeles’ development through ecological, economic, and bureaucratic frameworks. Recent articles address coastal estuary destruction and the Port’s role in U.S. imperialism.

• Awards: Doyce B. Nunis, Jr. Award (2015), Ray Allen Billington Prize (2014), and others.

He advises the Cal Poly Surfrider Foundation and serves on the Academic Senate’s Budget & Long Range Planning Committee. His courses include U.S. History to 1865, California History, and the History of the American West.