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Laurel Mei-Singh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Asian American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests include environmental justice, militarism, race and indigeneity, capitalist restructuring, and self-determination. She has published articles in notable journals such as American Quarterly, Environment and Planning E: Society and Space, and Antipode: Radical Journal of Geography. Her forthcoming book with Duke University Press, titled "Life Empire: Confronting Geographies of Militarism in Hawai'i," examines the intersection of military practices and grassroots struggles for land and livelihood in the heavily militarized region of Wai‘anae on the island of O'ahu. Additionally, she co-wrote a documentary film titled "Mālama Mākua," which won the Audience Choice Award at the 2025 Hawai'i International Film Festival. As a dedicated public scholar, Laurel has been actively involved in community organizing efforts in both Hawai’i and New York City, serving on the board of Hawai'i Peace and Justice and CAAAV Organizing Asian Communities. Laurel earned her PhD in Geography with a certificate in American Studies from the CUNY Graduate Center, a Masters in Public Health from Columbia University, and a Bachelor's degree in Arts in English from UCLA. She was born and raised near Lēahi (Diamond Head) on O'ahu.
University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX
Teaches courses in Geography and Asian American Studies, with a focus on environmental justice and social movements.
Princeton University • Princeton, NJ
Conducted research and contributed to academic projects related to themes of justice and community organizing.
University of Hawai'i Mānoa • Honolulu, HI
Taught courses and engaged in research focusing on ethnic studies and social justice.
General requirements for the Graduate School at UT Austin apply to all programs unless otherwise specified.