Erin Hamilton

Erin Hamilton is an Assistant Professor of Design Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison's School of Human Ecology. Her research focuses on sustainable design and environmental psychology, investigating how green building features and environmental cues influence conservation behaviors. She holds a PhD in Architecture and Natural Resources from the University of Michigan, as well as MS and BS degrees in Design Studies and a BA in Psychology from UW-Madison and Texas A&M University.

Her educational background combines design, environmental science, and psychology, which informs her interdisciplinary approach to creating built environments that promote both sustainability and human well-being. Key research themes include the symbiotic relationship between humans and their environments, the role of green buildings in fostering environmentally responsible behavior, and the application of mindful awareness in sustainability education.

Hamilton's work emphasizes practical interventions like signage in green buildings and participatory design processes that align with occupant values. She has conducted studies on the impact of juvenile detention center design, workplace environments for millennials, and the cognitive affordances of sustainable residential spaces. Her research has been published in journals such as Environment and Behavior and Sustainability.