Steven Mentz

Steven Mentz is a Professor of English and Chair of the English Department at St. John's University, New York. He holds a PhD in English from Yale University, an MA and MPhil from Yale, and a BA in English from Princeton University. His research focuses on Shakespeare, early modern literature, environmental humanities, ecocriticism, and the 'blue humanities.' He emphasizes ecological crisis in his teaching and research, extending to oceanic culture, environmental philosophy, and performance art. His recent works include Ocean (2020) and Break Up the Anthropocene (2019). He has curated exhibitions like 'Lost at Sea' at the Folger Shakespeare Library (2010) and authored/co-edited multiple books and articles.

He received prestigious fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Folger Shakespeare Library, and others. Mentz directed St. John’s English Ph.D. program from 2011–2017, securing its New York State authorization. He frequently delivers keynote lectures globally and maintains active public engagement via blogs, podcasts, and publications in outlets like Public Books. His teaching emphasizes live performances, integrating interdisciplinary approaches to literature and environment.

Before joining St. John’s in 2003, he taught at Iona College. His Princeton senior thesis won the Francis LeMoyne Page Prize in Creative Writing. He leads the Coastal Studies Reading Group and contributes to initiatives like #pluralizetheanthropocene, reflecting his commitment to environmental humanities.