Ben Cooke

Ben Cooke is an Associate Professor at RMIT University's School of Global, Urban and Social Studies (Melbourne, Australia). He holds dual roles as Associate Director of the Centre for Urban Research and Theme Leader of 'Geographies of Land, Home and Place'. His research focuses on the social and political dimensions of nature conservation, emphasizing equity and justice in conservation practices. Ben teaches environmental planning, applied socio-environmental research, and sustainability history, particularly within the Bachelor of Environment and Society program.

• Education Background: Implied through academic progression (no explicit details provided)
• Industry Experience: Collaborations with DEECA, Stockholm Resilience Centre, ALCA, FoE, and local governments.

Research interests include private land conservation, urban greening politics, and neoliberal environmental governance. He has advised on projects like 'Schools as Community Hubs' and climate resilience in Cambodia. Awards include the 2017 RMIT Excellence in Early Career Teaching and 2018 School-level Research Achievement.

• Grants/Projects: ARC Linkage projects on community hubs and urban greening dynamics.
• Labs/Teams: Centre for Urban Research, editorial board member of Australian Geographer.