Paul Laris

Paul Laris is a Professor and Chair of Geography at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). He holds a Ph.D. in Geography from Clark University (2002), an M.S. in Environmental Studies from San Jose State University, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA. His research focuses on savanna ecology, fire ecology, political ecology, and remote sensing, with fieldwork in Mali, Tierra del Fuego, and California. He leads NSF-funded projects examining human-fire interactions in West African savannas and invasive species dynamics in California ecosystems. His teaching includes courses on environmental issues, biogeography, and landscape restoration.

Key research themes include fire regimes in Mali, agricultural transitions in the Sahel, and ecological restoration in California. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating remote sensing, ethnographic methods, and participatory research. Recent work highlights the role of human practices in shaping ecological patterns and the adaptation of smallholder farmers to environmental change.

Publications span over two decades, with contributions to journals like Annals of the Association of American Geographers, Journal of Environmental Management, and Land Change Science. Collaborative projects involve graduate students and international partners. He is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Mali, 1987–1990) and actively engages in community-based ecological initiatives.