Jim Murphy’s research elucidates the structures, agencies, relationalities, and spatialities shaping contemporary economic geographies and examines the prospects for more just, sustainable, and resilient forms of development in the Global South (esp. Africa).  This work draws on concepts, theories, and epistemologies from a variety of fields including: economic geography, development studies, sociology, science and technology studies (STS), urban geography, and sustainable development research.  Broadly considered, his research contributes to three areas of scholarship: 1) Relational economic geographies of industrial change and socioeconomic development; 2) Geographies of socio-technical systems and sustainability transitions; and 3) The development of innovative conceptual frameworks, concepts, and epistemologies that advance understandings of socio-spatial and socioeconomic phenomena.  In addition, as the Editor-in-Chief (since 2014) of Economic Geography he has provided support for diverse research agendas and played a significant role in developing, promoting, expanding, and strengthening the field.

Dr. Murphy joined the faculty as Assistant Professor in 2005. He received his Ph.D. in geography from the University of Florida in 2001, holds an M.A. degree in environmental policy from Tufts University, and has a B.S. degree in chemical engineering from Rutgers University. Prior to beginning his graduate studies, he designed and managed pollution abatement projects in the private sector and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Malawi.