Matthew Lauer

Matthew Lauer is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at San Diego State University (SDSU), within the College of Arts and Letters. His work focuses on environmental anthropology, Indigenous knowledge, disasters, and marine management in Oceania and San Diego. He has conducted research in the Solomon Islands and French Polynesia for over 25 years. Lauer’s recent book, Sensing Disaster: Local Knowledge and Vulnerability in Oceania, examines the 2007 tsunami in the Solomon Islands and its societal impacts. He teaches courses such as Environmental Anthropology, Sustainability and Culture, and Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology. His research spans coral reef fisheries, climate change resilience, and community-based resource management. Current projects include studies on San Diego’s spearfishing community and the dynamics of marine governance in Moorea, French Polynesia. Lauer has advised several MA students on topics ranging from marine management ethics to drought adaptation in Paraguay.

His academic contributions include over 30 peer-reviewed articles, exploring themes like Indigenous knowledge systems, disaster recovery, and ecological resilience. He leads interdisciplinary projects funded by grants such as the Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems (CNH) and the National Science Foundation. Lauer’s work emphasizes bridging academic research with practical solutions for environmental and social challenges, advocating for equitable resource management and the integration of local knowledge in policy.

Key collaborations include partnerships with the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the American Museum of Natural History. His research often highlights the interplay between ecological crises and cultural practices, particularly in marginalized communities. Lauer’s teaching and mentorship reflect his commitment to fostering a new generation of anthropologists engaged with contemporary global issues.