Neumann professor Dr. Rob McMonagle is equally comfortable chatting with environmental activists as he is teaching history and political science in the classroom of the university, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.

He’s the author of “Caribou and Conoco,” a book about the political and social variables that trigger public policy debates on energy and the environment.

McMongle’s roots in energy production go deep, back to his grandfather, Paul, who worked for Atlantic Refinery, repairing pumps.

But he went in a different direction when his roommate in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy was shot down in the Gulf War.

“That got me thinking, ‘Did my roommate die for oil?”

He began teaching at Neumann in 1996.

He embraced the Franciscan teachings of the school, including the Sisters of St. Francis’ environmental advocacy.

These days, he hopes to leave a better planet for his children, noting that from his Neumann office he can see the pollution plumes rising from the Chester factories.

“My family and I, we live just a couple miles away,” he said. “When my kids go out to play sports, they are breathing that same air too.”

Find out more about Dr. Rob McMonagle’s career and environmental insights in the Daily Times.