Asim Zia

Asim Zia is a Professor of Public Policy and Computer Science at the University of Vermont, with secondary appointments in Computer Science. He serves as Associate Dean of Research and Postgraduate Education in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His research focuses on computational modeling of Social-Ecological Systems, Complex Adaptive Systems, and Governance Networks to advance sustainability and resilience.

He holds a PhD in Public Policy from Georgia Institute of Technology (2004), an MA from University of the Punjab (1996), and a BA from University of the Punjab (1991). His Post-Doctoral Fellowship was completed at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (2004-2006).

Zia's research spans computational policy analysis, climate change impacts, land-use transitions, and governance network dynamics. He directs the Institute for Environmental Diplomacy and Security (IEDS) and co-directs the Social Ecological Gaming and Simulation (SEGS) Lab. His work integrates environmental science, computer modeling, and policy design to address challenges in watershed management, climate adaptation, and transboundary water governance.

Recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches to environmental forecasting, adaptation policy, and implementation science. Trends include agent-based modeling of land-use decisions, climate impact assessments on hydrological systems, and innovations in program delivery.

Awards and Honors:

• Fulbright Global Scholar (2021-2023)
• Best Dissertation Award, Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
• Senior Research Fellow, Earth System Governance Project
• Fellow, Gund Institute for Environment

He has secured over $70 million in grants from NSF, USDA, DoD, and MacArthur Foundation. As PhD program director, he oversees graduate training in Sustainable Development Policy. His international collaborations include research in the Indus, Jordan, and Amazon basins.