Jonathan E. Robins

Jonathan E. Robins is an Associate Professor of History at Michigan Technological University, specializing in commodity history, environmental history, and global economic history. His research explores the intersections of industry, ecology, and colonialism, with a focus on waste landscapes, fiber transitions, and agroforestry.

• PhD in History from the University of Rochester (2010)
• Bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College of Maryland (2004)

His work examines historical dimensions of natural and synthetic fibers, agro-industrial systems, and environmental policy. Current projects include analyzing US government support for oil palm in Latin America and studying forgotten fibers like kapok and hemp.

Recent publications span topics in global commodity history, including palm oil, cotton, and chaga mushroom commodification. Awards include the 2022 AHA Bentley Prize and Agricultural History Society Wallace Award for his book Oil Palm: a Global History.

• Steering Committee, Commodities of Empire project
• Global Book Review Editor for Agricultural History