Professor Dr. Samer Alatout

Biography

Samer Alatout is an Associate Professor in the Department of Community and Environmental Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He completed his Ph.D. in Science and Technology Studies at Cornell University and has a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Department of Geography from Dartmouth College. His research primarily focuses on the sociology of science and technology, exploring themes of power and governance, biopolitics, and territoriality. Alatout's work critically engages with environmental security narratives and investigates the interconnections between borders and environmental issues, particularly in the context of contemporary political landscapes such as those between the US/Mexico and Palestine/Israel. He combines theoretical interventions using the writings of Michel Foucault with empirical studies, emphasizing how historical and modern borders shape societal issues. Alatout teaches both undergraduate and graduate seminars, covering topics such as Water Policy in International Contexts and Sustainability Vulnerability. His interdisciplinary affiliations span several programs, including the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and the Center for Culture, History, and Environment.

Research Interests