Matthew Wilfong

Biography

I consider myself a hydrosocial scientist. My teaching and research focuses on critical approaches to investigating and understanding water-society relationships. My teaching at St Mary's includes interdisciplinary courses centered on water and society with a particular interest in urban and environmental justice concerns. In my research, I seek to harness transdisciplinary frameworks and methodologies to conduct problem-based research towards solving issues arising within human-water systems. Broadly, my research aims to understand the inherent connection between water and society, especially the political and power dynamics involved within water governance and management. 

I was born and raised in north central Maryland and have spent the majority of my life living throughout the state. I did my undergraduate at Washington College, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, studying chemistry and environmental studies and playing varsity soccer. I did my Master's degree at Towson University in the  Environmental Sciences program and researching the effectiveness of bioretention for improving water quality of stormwater runoff. I completed my Ph.D at the University of Maryland, College Park in the Environmental Science and Technology program researching the ecological, social, and political aspects of stormwater management in the Mid-Atlantic region. I was recently a postdoctoral research scholar in the School of Sustainability at Arizona State University researching the social and political dynamics of water conservation and yard design choices. In my free time, I enjoy fly fishing, trail running, backpacking, and camping.