Carena J Van Riper

Carena J Van Riper is an Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois. Her research focuses on social-ecological systems, human behavior adaptation to environmental change, and biodiversity conservation. She holds affiliations with the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, and the Center for Social and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Van Riper has received multiple awards including the Social and Behavioral Science Impact Award and the Arnold O. Beckman Research Award. She serves as the Editor for Sustainability Science.

Her research explores pro-environmental behavior through lenses of human values, community engagement, and policy implementation. Notable areas include childhood environmental education impacts, invasive species management among aquarium hobbyists, and urban bird diversity dynamics. She has secured funding from NSF, USDA-NIFA, and other agencies. Over 130 publications include peer-reviewed articles and books, with recent work emphasizing climate adaptation and sustainable development agendas.

• Research Interests: Human behavior in environmental management, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, pro-environmental behavior drivers
• Awards: Social and Behavioral Science Impact Award (UIUC), 2024 Funk ACES Excellence in Research
• Grants: Funded by National Science Foundation, USDA-NIFA, Great Lakes Fishery Commission
• Editorial Role: Editor of Sustainability Science journal

Her work bridges academic research with practical solutions, emphasizing participatory approaches in protected area management and community-based conservation strategies.