Brian Robinson

Brian E. Robinson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at McGill University, affiliated with the Bieler School on the Environment. His research focuses on the intersection of ecosystems, human livelihoods, and policy, particularly in developing regions. He holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2011) and advanced degrees from MIT and Georgia Tech. His work employs methods from environmental economics, ecology, and geographic information sciences to address policy-relevant questions.

His current research includes projects on ecosystem services, land tenure security, and equitable urban development. Notable initiatives include ResNet (Sustainable & Resilient Ecosystems for Canada) and studies on natural climate solutions' co-benefits. He advises four PhD/MSc students and collaborates globally on topics like locust outbreaks and household energy transitions in China and Ghana. His lab emphasizes inclusive science practices and interdisciplinary approaches.

Education:

• PhD, Environment & Resources, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2011)
• MEng, Water Resources, MIT (2005)
• MCP, Environmental Policy & Planning, MIT (2005)
• BSc, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Tech (1999)

Research Highlights: Integrates land systems science with policy analysis to explore how institutions mediate human-environment relationships. Current projects assess ecosystem service distribution, tenure security impacts, and urban health equity through transdisciplinary partnerships.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Ecosystem Policy & People group, collaborating with global networks on projects like Beijing Household Energy Transitions and Pathways to Equitable Healthy Cities.