I am an interdisciplinary  social scientist that explores the ways in which smaller communities collaborate, make decisions, and act in ways that can improve their well-being. I use sustainability and resilience as frameworks for my interdisciplinary research. Community well-being depends, ultimately, on achieving some balance between meeting our social needs within our planetary boundaries, and doing so in a way that enables communities to respond to challenges that inevitably arise in an equitable manner. 

My research also relies on partnerships with organizations and entities outside of academia. My goal is to contribute, even in some small way, to developing more sustainable and resilient communities in partnership with others. To do so, research must be co-developed, with all entities contributing different types of knowledge, resources and capacities. 

I actively engage undergraduate students in my research lab. By mentoring students through the process of conducting research and engaging with stakeholders, I help students not only develop academic and professional skills, but also build confidence in their ability to make lasting impacts.

The links below provide information about some of my specific research streams.