Bilal Butt

Bilal Butt serves as an Associate Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, where he conducts research on human-environment interactions in conflict zones and teaches advanced coursework in environmental studies.

His scholarship investigates violent natural resource conflicts through empirical fieldwork in ecologically heterogeneous regions, integrating geospatial technologies with historical-ecological analysis of dryland environments. He critically examines power dynamics among state and non-state actors in resource governance and challenges orientalist paradigms in development programs stemming from misinterpretations of indigenous landscapes, with active engagement in wildlife poaching, land grabs, and green energy conflicts.

His research contributions have been honored with:

• National Science Foundation Career Award
• Superior Teaching Award from the University of Michigan

Dr. Butt leads NSF-funded research on environmental conflict while mentoring students through courses including Conservation and Development, Political Ecology, Environmental Security and Conflict, Environmental Governance, and Preparing for International Fieldwork, demonstrating integrated research-teaching excellence.