Andrea Simonelli

Andrea Simonelli is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Humanities and Sciences. She also serves as the Thrust 4 Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment, focusing on climate resilience and sustainability. Her research is deeply engaged with climate-induced human migration and environmental governance, particularly in vulnerable island nations such as Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, and the Maldives.

• Ph.D., Political Science, Louisiana State University, 2012
• M.A., Political Science, Louisiana State University, 2010
• B.A., Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, Michigan State University, 2002

Her research centers on the intersection of climate change, displacement, and governance. She investigates how environmental changes trigger migration, how religious and cultural beliefs shape climate perceptions, and how international institutions respond to climate displacement. Her work emphasizes small island developing states and the political challenges they face in adapting to climate change.

The most recent publications reflect a strong trend in climate justice, environmental governance, and the socio-political dimensions of climate migration. Her articles explore interdisciplinary themes including religion and climate denial, legal frameworks for the Anthropocene, and comparative governance in Pacific Island nations. She frequently publishes in high-impact journals in environmental policy and political science.

• Board Member, The National Transparency Project
• Founder, Adaptation Strategies International
• Member, Research and Independent NGOs to the UNFCCC
• Member, Earth System Governance Asia-Pacific Working Group
• Associate, Stanford University’s Millennium Alliance for Humanity & the Biosphere

Andrea Simonelli has secured affiliations with major research networks and international policy organizations. Although specific grants are not listed, her leadership role at VCU’s Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment suggests involvement in funded research initiatives. She has not publicly listed her advisees or students.

She is affiliated with research teams focused on sustainable energy, climate adaptation, and environmental justice, particularly through her leadership in Thrust 4 of the Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment. Her work bridges academic research and policy engagement, contributing to global discourse on climate governance.