Lou Martin

Lou Martin is an Associate Professor of History at Chatham University's College of Arts & Sciences, specializing in U.S. history, labor and working-class history, Latin American history, and environmental history. He has been affiliated with Chatham since 2008 and actively contributes to academic journals and labor organizations.

• Education: Ph.D. (West Virginia University, 2008), M.A. (Carnegie Mellon University, 2001), B.A. (West Virginia University, 1994)

His research focuses on labor movements, Appalachian history and culture, and the political economy of rural-industrial workers. He has extensively studied the steel, pottery, and coal industries in Appalachia, particularly in West Virginia.

Lou Martin's publications include works on neoliberalism in Appalachia, labor activism, and environmental history. He has contributed to journals such as West Virginia History and Labor: Studies in Working-Class History, and co-edited volumes like Culture, Class, and Politics in Modern Appalachia and Where are the Workers?

His scientific awards include the Buhl Professor award at Chatham University and multiple accolades from West Virginia University, such as the William D. Barnes Award and the Outstanding Alumni Award. He has also received travel grants and fellowships for his labor and working-class research.

Martin co-founded the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum and serves on the editorial board of Labor: Studies in Working-Class History. He is an honorary member of the United Mine Workers of America, Local 1440. His work bridges academic research with community engagement, emphasizing labor heritage preservation.