Sustainability & Equity in Socio-Ecological Systems

Professor Ashton's research group is interested in understanding how socio-ecological systems (human organizations and societies interacting with nature) create value for human and non-human actors, and how their functionality can be sustained in the long term. The group is deeply concerned with how societies allocate benefits and burdens to different groups (particularly those marginalized by race, ethnicity, income and gender), and how organizations can work towards equity and sustainability in their actions.

As co-lead for the Food Systems Action Lab at the Institute of Design, we engage in long-term projects and partnerships, and develop tools and approaches to build understanding of the current situation so we can activate new ways for communities to come together and build more equitable and effective food systems.