R. Alfred Vick

R. Alfred 'Alfie' Vick is the Georgia Power Professor in Environmental Ethics and Director of the Environmental Ethics Certificate Program at the University of Georgia's College of Environment & Design. He is a licensed landscape architect and LEED Fellow, specializing in integrating natural systems with human use through sustainable design principles. His research focuses on green infrastructure, native plant communities, and Indigenous ethnobotany.

Educated at the University of Illinois (BS in Engineering Psychology) and the University of Georgia (MLA), Vick bridges academia and practice. He teaches landscape ecology and sustainable design, collaborates in the Sustainability and Landscape Performance Lab, and serves on the Institute of Native American Studies faculty. His professional work includes LEED Platinum-certified projects like the Southface Energy Institute headquarters.

Key contributions include leadership roles in the US Green Building Council (past Chair of Sustainable Sites Technical Advisory Group and Founding Chair of Athens Branch) and board service for environmental organizations. Awards include LEED Fellow recognition for advancing sustainable practices.

Research trends emphasize cultural preservation through landscape architecture, Indigenous knowledge systems, and ecological sustainability in urban contexts. His work addresses biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and community-driven design solutions.

Grants and projects include the Biodiversity Action Plan for Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and collaborations with Project Chimps. He advocates for interdisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges, merging ecological science with cultural and policy frameworks.