Dr. Noah Theriault

Associate Professor

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Biography

Noah Theriault is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Carnegie Mellon University. His work as a political ecologist employs methods from anthropology, history, and geography to examine how globalization and capitalism influence social and environmental inequalities at the local level. His long-term research in the Philippines investigates the dynamics between rural and urban settings, exploring how various actors such as bureaucrats, activists, scientists, and farmers navigate the impacts of global forces on their daily lives. Theriault's research has notably addressed the intersection of conservation, capitalism, and Indigenous rights, as seen in his upcoming book "Forest Dreams: Conservation, Capitalism, Indigenous Rights in the Philippines" (University of Hawai’i Press, 2025). He also examines the socio-environmental struggles around urban infrastructure in Manila, particularly the city's traffic congestion issues. In 2016, he helped establish an international network for Indigenous-aligned researchers focused on collaborative research and community organizing. He is actively involved in various academic and community initiatives, aiming to advance energy justice and ecological awareness.

Research Interests

Courses

Hostile Environments: Politics of Pollution Global Perspective (Not) Change the World: Defining and Refining Theories of Change Reformers, Revolutionaries, Revanchists: Histories of Social Movements Global Studies Research Seminar (capstone) Modern Southeast Asia: Colonialism, Capitalism, Cultural Exchange Un-Natural Disasters: Societies and Environmental Hazards

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.