Chloe B Wardropper

Chloe B Wardropper is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois. Her research focuses on interdisciplinary studies of coupled human-natural systems, particularly in water governance, agricultural sustainability, and climate change adaptation. She examines how policies and governance structures influence sustainable practices in mixed-use landscapes such as watersheds with agricultural or mining activities.

Her work integrates theories from public policy, environmental planning, and sociology, emphasizing co-produced research to inform real-world decisions. Key areas of investigation include institutional drivers of sustainable practices, science's role in decision-making, and inclusive governance strategies. Wardropper’s scholarship has been featured in outlets like PBS and the AP Climate Desk, and includes applied peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and policy briefs.

Recent research highlights include analyzing wolf management policy variations in the northwestern U.S., exploring market mechanisms for soil carbon sequestration, and evaluating the social-ecological suitability of agroforestry systems in the Midwest. She collaborates across disciplines to address complex environmental challenges, such as wildfire management in Greece and groundwater depletion in agricultural regions.

Wardropper holds a strong record of public engagement and applied research, with projects focusing on topics like crop insurance programs, lead exposure risks in mining communities, and rancher perspectives on conservation. Her work bridges academic inquiry with actionable solutions for sustainable resource management.