Shanti Chu

Shanti Chu is an Assistant Professor and co-chair of the Department of Philosophy at the College of Lake County, with a career focused on academic philosophy and food culture. Chu is a published philosopher in the Chicago area, specializing in philosophy of identity and food ethics, and is recognized for her efforts to make philosophy accessible and relevant to daily life.

Chu's academic work emphasizes applied philosophy, extending beyond the classroom. She has contributed a chapter on multiracial identity to "Philosophy for Girls" and a chapter on philosophy and food to the "Companion to Public Philosophy" textbook. Chu has also written about nonviolence and plant-based eating in "Through a Vegan Studies Lens." Her research explores the intersections of multiracial identity, queer identity, nonviolence, plant-based eating, race, and gender. Chu has received recognition for teaching excellence from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development. During her leadership of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, the institution was recognized as one of the top five most LGBTQ+-friendly and inclusive community colleges in the nation.

Outside academia, Chu is the founder and writer of ChiVeg, a food blog that examines ethical eating by featuring vegetarian and vegan recipes and plant-based dining options in the Chicago area. Through ChiVeg, she discusses ethical and affordable eating and drinking in Chicago from a philosophical perspective. Chu began her food writing with LoganSquarist and has contributed to Eater Chicago, ARTNews, and Time Out Chicago.

Chu is an active participant in public discussions about food, ethics, and identity. She has appeared on several podcasts related to food, philosophy, education, and social justice. As a guest on the "Overthink" podcast, Chu discussed topics such as the gendering of meals, food system ethics, and restaurant culture. Her published works, including "Nonviolence through Veganism" and "Public Philosophy and Food: Foodies, Ethics, and Activism," highlight her ability to communicate complex philosophical concepts in accessible ways. Chu also expresses philosophical ideas through DJing techno and experimental ambient music, using music as a creative outlet beyond language.