Maria Akchurin

Maria Akchurin, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Loyola University Chicago, based in Coffey Hall. Her research focuses on environmental conflicts, sociolegal dynamics, and policy analysis with a regional emphasis on Latin America and urban contexts like Chicago. She critically examines issues such as mining impacts, water rights, environmental justice, and the intersections of social movements with legal frameworks.

Her work bridges theoretical sociology with applied policy analysis, addressing topics like algorithmic fairness in education systems and the socioenvironmental consequences of extractive industries. Recent projects include studies on litigation in Chilean environmental courts and protest movements against water privatization in Argentina.

Award-winning scholar with a strong record in book reviews analyzing global environmental and political texts. Active in urban environmental activism research, particularly how local perceptions shape metropolitan area mobilization patterns. Her interdisciplinary approach combines sociological theory with empirical case studies to inform equitable policy development.