The Hidden Histories of Everyday Commodities, a conversation with environmental historian Jayson Porter

Environmental historian Jayson Porter shares his path to become an assistant professor of history at the University of Maryland. In conversation with Dean Stephanie Shonekan, he talks about his interdisciplinary research connecting environmental history, race and capitalism through commodities such as oilseeds. Drawing on archival work and his personal history, he emphasizes critical inquiry, humility and curiosity, arguing that environmental racism shapes access to resources and knowledge while urging students to question everyday objects and ways of being.