John Finn is a distinguished Associate Professor and Department Chair at Christopher Newport University, renowned for his expertise in urban geography, social justice, and environmental equity. His work critically examines the persistent impacts of racial segregation in the United States, contributing significantly to the fields of human geography, urban studies, and environmental justice. Affiliated with multiple centers at CNU, including the Honors Program and the Center for Crime, Equity, and Justice Research and Policy, John Finn is deeply engaged in both academic research and community engagement.
John Finn Portrait
Dr. Finn’s dedication to exploring the intersection of geography and social issues is evident in his extensive research, teaching, and public outreach. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Geography from Arizona State University, an MA in Geography from the University of Missouri, and a BA in International Studies, also from the University of Missouri, providing him with a robust interdisciplinary foundation for his work.
Educational Background and Academic Roles
John Finn’s academic journey has been marked by a commitment to geographical studies and a passion for understanding the complexities of human-environment interaction. His doctoral studies at Arizona State University honed his expertise in geography, while his master’s degree from the University of Missouri further solidified his foundation in the field. His early interest in international studies during his bachelor’s degree provided a global perspective that informs his current research and teaching.
Currently, John Finn serves as both an Associate Professor and the Chair of the Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology at Christopher Newport University. His leadership in this role underscores his standing in the academic community and his commitment to fostering interdisciplinary approaches to understanding society and human behavior. He is based in Luter Hall 151A and can be reached at (757) 594-7939 or via email at [email protected].
Teaching and Research Interests
In the classroom, John Finn shares his passion and knowledge through a range of courses that reflect his diverse expertise. His teaching portfolio includes Human Geography, Urban Geography, Human-Environment Interaction, Field Research Methods, and Latin American Studies. These courses equip students with critical thinking skills and a nuanced understanding of the spatial dimensions of social and environmental issues.
Dr. Finn’s research is deeply rooted in urban geography and social geography, with a particular focus on race, segregation, and environmental justice. His work extends geographically to Hampton Roads, Virginia, Latin America, Cuba, and Brazil, reflecting a broad interest in both local and international contexts. His research endeavors to uncover the intricate links between racial segregation and its ongoing economic, environmental, and health consequences.
Biography and Scholarly Impact of John Finn
Dr. Johnny Finn’s biography is a testament to his impactful career. Holding a Ph.D. in Geography from Arizona State University, he has become a leading voice in the examination of racial segregation’s enduring effects. His research has garnered significant recognition, evidenced by over 40 publications, including articles, book chapters, reports, and op-eds. Furthermore, John Finn has secured over $200,000 in research grant funding, supporting his in-depth investigations into critical social and environmental issues.
His influence extends beyond academia through over 100 invited lectures across North America, Latin America, and Europe, sharing his insights with diverse audiences. A notable highlight of his career includes a solo exhibition at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) titled “Living Apart: Geography of Segregation in the 21st Century,” which visually presented his research to a wider public. In 2024, John Finn received the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) Outstanding Faculty Award, the highest honor for faculty in Virginia, further solidifying his reputation as a distinguished scholar and educator.
Selected Accomplishments and Recognition
John Finn’s accomplishments are numerous and span teaching, scholarship, and service, highlighting his multifaceted contributions to Christopher Newport University and the wider academic community. His selected accomplishments include:
- 2024 SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award: State Council of Higher Education of Virginia, recognizing his exceptional contributions to higher education.
- 2021 Alumni Society Award for Teaching and Mentoring: Christopher Newport University, acknowledging his excellence in teaching and dedication to student mentorship.
- 2020 Faculty Excellence Award in Scholarship: Christopher Newport University, celebrating his significant scholarly contributions to the field of geography.
- Class of 2013 Faculty Development Award: CNU, supporting his ongoing professional growth and development as an educator and researcher.
These awards reflect John Finn’s sustained commitment to excellence in all aspects of his academic career, from impactful research to inspiring teaching and mentorship.
Selected Publications and Scholarly Work
John Finn’s publications demonstrate his wide-ranging research interests and his commitment to exploring critical issues in geography and social justice. His selected publications include journal articles, book chapters, and encyclopedia entries, showcasing the breadth and depth of his scholarly contributions:
- Journal Article: Markets, reciprocity, and redistribution in a rural food economy in Cuba: a socio-spatial framework for analyzing a diverse black market. Journal of Agrarian Change.
- Book Chapter: Public Geographies of Racial Segregation: Designing Museum Spaces to Embody Histories and Emplace Identities. Routledge.
- Journal Article: Urban Renewal In Norfolk. Encyclopedia Virginia.
- Journal Article: Urban renewal in Norfolk, VA: Race, segregation, and the (re)production of racialized economic inequality. Nonsite.
- Journal Article: Mapping Inequality: Norfolk, VA. American Panorama: An Atlas of United States History.
- Journal Article: Urban Renewal In Virginia. Encyclopedia Virginia.
- Journal Article: Paisajes musicales del patrimonio y la memoria: investigando la construcción musical de lugar. Revista Punto Sur.
- Journal Article: Expanding Access to the Journal of Latin American Geography. Journal of Latin American Geography.
- Journal Article: Institutional Implications of the Covid-19 Pandemic for Geographers in/of Latin America. Journal of Latin American Geography.
- Newspaper Article: St. Paul’s redevelopment plan offers one false choice after another. The Virginian-Pilot.
- Journal Article: New Distances and Proximities in Teaching Geography of and in Latin America. Journal of Latin American Geography.
This selection represents a fraction of John Finn’s extensive publication record, highlighting his engagement with topics ranging from urban renewal and racial segregation to food economies and Latin American geography.
Selected Presentations and Public Lectures
Dr. Finn is a sought-after speaker, frequently presenting his research at conferences, universities, and community events. His selected presentations demonstrate his commitment to sharing his work and engaging with diverse audiences:
- Environmental Justice in Newport News, VA: The Air We Breathe, Newport News, VA. (2024)
- Mapping Environmental Justice: NASA SARP East, Newport News, VA. (2024)
- Seawalls, Managed Retreat, and Climate Gentrification: URISA: Urban and Regional Information Systems Association, National (virtual). (2024)
- Social Murder and the Geographies of Injustice: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. (2024)
- Mapping Justice: Hampton Roads Social Justice Conference, Newport News, VA. (2024)
- Living Apart: Geography of Segregation in the 21st Century: Richmond Collegiate School, Richmond, VA. (2024)
- KEYNOTE: The Past Is Never Dead: Compounding Social, Environmental, and Health Impacts of a Century Racial Segregation: CIVIC Leadership Institute, Virginia Beach, VA. (2023)
- Geographies of Injustice: The Social, Environmental, and Health Impacts of Racial Segregation in Hampton Roads, VA: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA. (2023)
- Living Apart: Geography of Segregation in the 21st Century: Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Virginia Beach, VA. (2022)
- KEYNOTE: Landscapes of Inequality: Liquorlining, Systemic Racism, and Public Health Equity: Alcohol Policy Panel of San Diego County, San Diego, CA. (2022)
- KEYNOTE: The Past Is Never Dead: The Compounding Social, Environmental, and Health Impacts of a Century Racial Segregation: Maryland State Geographic Information Committee, Baltimore, MD (virtual). (2022)
- KEYNOTE: Landscapes of Race in American Cities: National Conference on Geographic Education, Virtual. (2021)
- Living Apart: Geography of Segregation in the 21st Century: Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, Norfolk, VA. (2021)
- Environmental Justice Is Racial Justice: Socio-Environmental Impacts of Racist Housing Policies in Hampton Roads, VA: Union of Concerned Scientists, Washington, DC. (2020)
These presentations highlight John Finn’s role as a public scholar, addressing critical issues related to social and environmental justice across various platforms.
Selected Grants and Funded Projects
John Finn’s research is supported by a range of grants and fellowships, enabling him to pursue impactful projects and expand the scope of his work. Selected grants include:
- Strengthening and Expanding Humanities Content at the 2025 Hampton Roads Social Justice Conference: Sponsored by Virginia Humanities.
- VA Peninsula EJ Tour and Hampton Roads Social Justice Conference (HRSJC): Sponsored by Virginia Geographic Alliance.
- Living Apart Exhibition – Additional Workshop Funding: Sponsored by Virginia Geographic Alliance.
- Living Apart Exhibition – Floor Map Funding: Sponsored by Virginia Geographic Alliance.
- Living Together / Living Apart: Geography of Segregation in the 21st Century: Sponsored by Faculty Ferguson Fellowship and Virginia Geographic Alliance.
- Field Study to Cuba: Sponsored by Virginia Geographic Alliance.
These grants underscore the value and importance of John Finn’s research, providing crucial resources for his ongoing investigations into social and environmental justice issues.
Connect with John Finn
To learn more about John Finn’s work and engage with his ongoing research, you can connect with him through the following platforms:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnyfinn/
- Monthly Newsletter: https://johnnyfinn.substack.com/subscribe
- Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=APLngukAAAAJ&hl=en
- ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1445-2820
John Finn’s contributions to the field of geography and his dedication to social and environmental justice make him a significant figure in contemporary academic discourse. His work continues to inform and inspire, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex spatial dimensions of social inequality.
