FIYou: Dr. Matthew Marr

Name: Dr. Matthew Marr

Hometown: Long Beach, Calif.

Job Title/Department: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Department of Global and Sociocultural Studies, Asian Studies

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: I teach, research and write about urban sociology, sociology of Japan and research methods.

Number of years at FIU: I just finished my second year.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

First, I enjoy the opportunity to work with our young, bright and enthusiastic FIU students. Second, I enjoy teaching about and researching urban social injustices with an eye to working with community groups to help address them.

What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your department?

The Department of Global and Sociocultural Studies has a diverse faculty that teaches and researches important issues related to the globalization of society and how this interacts with diverse local contexts. People should also know that Asian Studies offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs on Asia – a region far from South Florida but still importantly connected.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

The Rec Center has to be my favorite spot because it keeps me healthy.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?

I wish the outside world knew more about FIU’s exciting intellectual environment.

How is FIU “Worlds Ahead”?

FIU is worlds ahead because it is a young institution prepared to take a leadership role in global society by sharpening the talents of its diverse student body and conducting cutting edge research.

Family snapshot:

There’s my dad, Warren; mom, Bivian; older brother, Tim; grandfather, Bobby Wayne; cats, Idi and Destiny; and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.

Word that best describes you: Original.

First paying job: My first job was pumping gas at a ’76 station in the LBC.

Favorite TV show: Sports (Fighting Irish, Celtics, Red Sox, Patriots, U.S. soccer).

What is playing on your iPod?

shingo☆nishinari (Japanese hip-hop).

Your proudest accomplishment:

After getting my MA, I wrote a research report that was used to successfully extend the time limit on receipt of general relief benefits for the extremely poor in Los Angeles County.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

I am usually working at home, listening to music (reggae, hip-hop, funk, etc.), playing soccer, body boarding and cooking Japanese food.