Eric Hardy

Dr. Eric Hardy is a historian and sociologist whose work explores the intersections of technology, politics, and environmentalism in twentieth-century American urban landscapes. With over a decade of experience teaching U.S. history, science and technology studies, and environmental sociology, he has served on the faculties of the History Department, Sociology Department, and the Environment Program since 2010. His scholarship has appeared in Technology and Culture, the Journal of Urban History, and through the American Planners Association Press. His forthcoming book, Atlanta’s Water Wars: Technology, Politics, and Environmentalism, 1945–2005 (University of Pittsburgh Press), utilizes water and land-use policies as analytical frameworks for understanding the challenges of managing regional growth in post-World War II American cities. 

In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Hardy has extensive experience mentoring undergraduate students on senior theses, internships, and interdisciplinary projects. He has collaborated across departments to support academic advising, student development, and equity-based educational initiatives. Before entering academia, he worked in New Orleans as an account executive and public relations manager, overseeing multi-market advertising campaigns, political initiatives, and community engagement programs—experience that continues to inform his leadership in academic programming and institutional planning.

Dr. Hardy is known for bringing historical insight to real-world problems and fostering inclusive learning environments. He lives in New Orleans with his wife, enjoys traveling, skateboarding to campus, and is always on the lookout for opportunities to surf.