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Jacob Bukoski is Assistant Professor and Director of the Forests and Climate Change graduate certificate at Oregon State University's College of Forestry. His research examines forest carbon dynamics, climate mitigation, and international forestry. Education includes: PhD in Environmental Science from UC Berkeley MS in Environmental Science from Yale University BA in Environmental Studies from UNC Chapel Hill Research focuses on carbon accumulation in forests, mangrove conservation, and climate policy integration. Teaches interdisciplinary courses on social-ecological systems and forest carbon analysis. Recent publications quantify carbon storage in global plantations and mangrove ecosystems. Current projects investigate albedo impacts on reforestation protocols and coastal conservation synergies. Directs graduate studies in Forests and Climate Change.

• Forest Carbon Sequestration
• Carbon Markets
• Biogeochemistry
• +3 more

Barbara A. Knuth is a Professor Emerita at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment. She previously served as Dean of Cornell's Graduate School (over 10 years), Vice Provost/Senior Vice Provost (8 years), and Senior Associate Dean in CALS (3 years). Her academic career began with a PhD in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from Virginia Tech (1987), making her the first woman in tenure-track faculty at Cornell's Department of Natural Resources. Education: Ph.D., Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences (Virginia Tech) M.En., Environmental Science (Miami University) B. Phil. & A.B., Zoology/Environmental Studies (Miami University, Phi Beta Kappa) Research Interests: Focuses on ecosystem-based management in Great Lakes/marine systems, risk communication around chemical contaminants in fish, and environmental stewardship. Also studies equity/inclusion in graduate education. Key themes include: Social science integration in natural resource policy Health benefits/risk trade-offs in fish consumption Community-based conservation strategies Outreach: Advises state/tribal agencies on fishery management and public health. Led initiatives improving graduate education through professional development, mental health support, and faculty mentoring programs. Awards: Debra W. Stewart Award (2019) Fellow, American Fisheries Society (2015-) Council of Graduate Schools Recognition Multiple teaching/research awards (1999-2006) Grants & Funding: Supported by NSF, Sea Grant, EPA, Sloan Foundation, and others for projects on Great Lakes management, educational equity, and contaminant risk communication. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with Cornell's Center for Conservation Social Sciences. Collaborated with Ecologists Without Borders, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and National Academies Ocean Studies Board.

• Ecosystem-Based Management
• Environmental Policy
• Fisheries Conservation
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Ross Meentemeyer is a Professor and Director of the Center for Geospatial Analytics at North Carolina State University, affiliated with the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources in the College of Natural Resources. He holds a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2000) and a B.S. in Geography from the University of Georgia (1993). His research focuses on geospatial analytics, ecological forecasting, biological invasions, and forest health, with a strong emphasis on integrating geospatial data and modeling to address environmental challenges. Dr. Meentemeyer's work includes developing decision-support tools for pest management, climate adaptation, and land-use planning. Notable projects involve forecasting invasive species spread via international trade, creating open-source geospatial platforms, and modeling floodplain development risks. He collaborates extensively with federal agencies like USDA, DOI, and NPS to translate research into practical solutions. His grants include multi-million dollar NSF and USDA-funded initiatives addressing plant disease pandemics, agricultural pest threats, and geospatial infrastructure development. Key outcomes include the PAdb system for pandemic prediction and the FUTURES model for urbanization forecasting. He also leads efforts to enhance stakeholder engagement through participatory modeling tools like Tangible Landscape. Research contributions span 20+ years, with over 100 peer-reviewed articles on topics like viewscape modeling, river water dynamics, and wildfire-epidemic interactions. His work bridges ecological and social sciences, emphasizing actionable solutions for sustainable land management and climate resilience.

• Geospatial Analytics
• Ecological Forecasting
• Biological Invasions
• +3 more

Shannon Neibergs is an academic professional at Washington State University (WSU), serving as Director of the Western Center for Risk Management Education and Extension Specialist in the School of Economic Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University (1993), an M.A. in Agricultural Economics from WSU (1987), and a B.S. in Animal Science from WSU (1983). Her research focuses on livestock production economics, auction market dynamics, and agribusiness employment strategies, with significant contributions to risk management education and sustainable agriculture. Notable honors include NACAA National and Regional Finalist awards for team newsletters (2010, 2008), a Faculty Member of the Year Award (University of Louisville, 1997), and multiple annual evaluation awards for service and research excellence. Her work bridges academic research with practical extension programs, addressing challenges in beef production systems, genomic selection tools, and rangeland management. Risk Management Education: Leads initiatives to help farmers navigate market uncertainties and policy changes. Livestock Economics: Specializes in production costs, crossbreeding impacts, and disease management economics. Regional Agriculture: Analyzes economic contributions of Washington's beef and dairy sectors through input-output models. Her advisory and collaborative efforts include managing the Western Center for Risk Management and contributing to the Beef Risk Control (BRD CAP) project. She collaborates with ranchers and policymakers to enhance agricultural resilience. Active in interdisciplinary teams such as the IMPACT Center and Transportation Research Group, her work emphasizes translating research into actionable solutions for agricultural stakeholders.

• Economics of Livestock Production and Management
• Auction Markets
• Agribusiness Employment
• +3 more

Robert Keiter is the Wallace Stegner Professor of Law and Director of the Wallace Stegner Center for Land, Resources, and the Environment at the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law. He holds a JD from Northwestern University and a BA from Washington University, with prior teaching roles at the University of Wyoming, Boston College, and Southwestern University. His expertise spans environmental and natural resources law, ecosystem management, public lands policy, and constitutional law. Keiter has authored influential books including To Conserve Unimpaired: The Evolution of the National Park Idea (2013) and Keeping Faith With Nature (2003), focusing on national parks, public lands governance, and biodiversity conservation. His recent research emphasizes climate change impacts on public lands and ecosystem resilience. He has advised federal agencies, served on boards like the National Parks Conservation Association, and received the National Parks Achievement Award. Teaching includes Natural Resources Law, Constitutional Law, and Administrative Law. Keiter’s grants include a Turner Foundation project on federal public lands law. He directs the Stegner Center, advancing environmental legal scholarship and advocacy. Key professional activities include leadership roles with the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation (president 2013–2014) and trustee positions with the National Parks Conservation Association. His work bridges law, ecology, and policy, addressing contemporary challenges in public land management. Recent articles analyze BLM conservation rules, mining regulations, and national monument controversies. Keiter’s contributions are recognized through awards like the University of Utah’s Distinguished Professor title (2008).

• Environmental Law
• Public Lands Management
• Natural Resources Law
• +3 more

Dr. Jonathan Hicks serves as Professor and Chair of the Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies department at Minnesota State University, Mankato's College of Allied Health and Nursing. With a Ph.D. and M.S. in Recreation & Park Management from University of Illinois and B.A. in Print Journalism from Western Illinois University, his academic focus bridges environmental education with emotional psychology. Ph.D., Recreation & Park Management, University of Illinois, 2016 M.S., Recreation & Park Management, University of Illinois, 2010 B.A., Print Journalism, Western Illinois University, 2004 His research examines the emotional connections between humans and wildlife, particularly through the lens of awe and its educational applications. Key areas include: Human Dimensions of Wildlife Wildlife-Inspired Awe Natural Resource Recreation Planning Environmental Education Pedagogy Wildland Recreation Management Dr. Hicks' publications reveal a consistent exploration of emotional responses in nature-based recreation, with recent work analyzing tenure challenges at teaching institutions. His awards include commendations for community-driven teaching approaches. Numerous teaching commendations Prior teaching experience includes environmental education settings at University of Illinois, emphasizing experiential learning integration and applied research methodologies.

• Human Dimensions of Wildlife
• Wildlife-Inspired Awe
• Natural Resource Recreation Planning and Management
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Peter Newman, Ph.D., serves as Dean of the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont since July 1, 2024, and holds the Suzie and Allen Martin Professor title. With a career spanning decades, he has conducted extensive research on visitor management in protected areas, soundscape management, and transportation planning, partnering with the National Park Service's Natural Sounds and Night Sky Division since 2012. Education Ph.D. in Natural Resources, University of Vermont M.S. in Forest Resource Management, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry B.A. in Political Science, University of Rochester His research focuses on social carrying capacity decision-making in protected area management, with fieldwork across major U.S. parks including Denali, Grand Canyon, and Great Smokies. He has developed frameworks for acoustic management and Leave No Trace efficacy, contributing to sustainable outdoor recreation practices. Scientific Awards: Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit National Award (2012) George Wright Society National Award for Achievement in Social Sciences (2013) Throughout his career, Newman has led high-quality teaching at Penn State's Graduate Degree Program in Acoustics and mentored numerous students through research projects on wildlife approach norms, pandemic recreation shifts, and waste management strategies in national parks. He previously served as a Park Ranger in Yosemite and Backcountry Patrol member in Idaho.

• Visitor management in protected areas
• Soundscape/acoustic management in parks
• Transportation management and planning
• +7 more

Robert L. Hicks is a Professor of Economics and Marine Science at The College of William and Mary, holding joint appointments in the Department of Economics and the School of Marine Science. He is affiliated with the Environmental Science and Policy Program and the Thomas Jefferson Program in Public Policy. With a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland and a B.A. from North Carolina State University, Hicks has been a visiting professor at institutions in Germany and Spain, including the University of Bonn and the University of Hannover. His research focuses on environmental and natural resource economics, welfare economics, and econometrics, with notable contributions to fisheries management, eco-labeling, and recreational resource valuation. He has served on the editorial board of Marine Resource Economics and received grants from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Commerce, and philanthropic organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. His awards include the Alumni Fellowship Award and the Plumeri Award for Faculty Excellence. Education: B.A., North Carolina State University Ph.D., University of Maryland Research Interests: Environmental economics emphasizes sustainable resource management, while his work in econometrics advances quantitative methods for policy analysis. Key areas include recreational fishing valuation, eco-labeling impacts, and spatial modeling in fisheries. His research bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in coastal and marine environments. Grants & Awards: Recipient of grants from NSF, U.S. Department of Commerce, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Alumni Fellowship Award Plumeri Award for Faculty Excellence Labs & Affiliations: Active in interdisciplinary collaborations, Hicks contributes to policy boards such as NOAA’s Science Advisory Board and aids in shaping environmental and marine policy through academic partnerships.

• Environmental Economics
• Natural Resource Economics
• Welfare Economics
• +3 more

Dr. John McGee serves as Professor and Geospatial Extension Specialist in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), within the College of Natural Resources and Environment. He holds a B.A. from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (1988), M.A. from the University of North Carolina Charlotte (1992), and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (1997). VirginiaView (www.virginiaview.net) GeoTEd (www.geoted.org) Virginia Geospatial Extension Program (http://gep.frec.vt.edu/) Urban Tree Canopy Program (http://gep.frec.vt.edu/va_utc.html) Dr. McGee's research focuses on Natural Resource Management, Geospatial Applications, and Technology Transfer, with particular emphasis on practical applications of geospatial technologies in urban forestry, natural resource management, and education. His scholarly work demonstrates consistent integration of academic research with community-based applications, particularly through the development of decision support tools for local governments assessing urban tree canopy and creating accessible educational resources for diverse audiences. His publications reveal strong thematic patterns across geospatial education, urban forestry applications, and sustainable tourism research. The most recent works emphasize workforce development through geospatial technician education, innovative educational approaches using geocoins and web-based mapping, and interdisciplinary applications of GPS tracking in tourism research. Distinguished Geospatial Education Partner Award (2015) AmericaView Education Award (2013) Virginia Tech XCaliber Award (Team Nomination, 2014) Special Achievement in GIS Award (SAG) (2004) Dr. McGee has directed significant extension efforts including the Virginia Geospatial Extension Program, which has conducted over 100 workshops between 2009-2014, directly training more than 1,300 individuals with multiplied impact through 'train the trainer' approaches. He co-founded Virginia's first formal geospatial mentoring program and serves as Co-PI of VirginiaView, coordinating national geospatial education initiatives through AmericaView while maintaining seven professional listservs and social media resources.

• Natural Resource Management
• Geospatial Applications
• Technology Transfer

Bruce Saxman is a Senior Lecturer in Adventure Education at Fort Lewis College, where he coordinates the interdisciplinary Fort Lewis on the Water (FLOW) program. With over two decades of experience in outdoor education, he has held administrative and teaching roles at multiple institutions, developing competency-based training systems and adventure curriculum. Education: M.A. in Recreation Administration, University of Nebraska-Omaha B.S. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (Resource Management Emphasis) with Anthropology Minor, Clemson University Research Interests focus on outdoor education methodology , adventure program administration , and experiential learning systems . His work explores digital education platforms, risk management protocols, and leadership development frameworks in outdoor settings. Professional Affiliations include the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), American Canoe Association (ACA), and American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). His publications address technical training systems, program development, and safety innovations in adventure education.

• Outdoor Education
• Adventure Education
• Experiential Learning
• +3 more

Richard Margerum serves as Professor of Planning, Public Policy, and Management and Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs in the College of Design at the University of Oregon. His scholarly work focuses on collaborative governance frameworks for resolving complex environmental and planning challenges, with particular expertise in watershed management systems and metropolitan governance structures. His educational foundation includes: PhD in Urban and Regional Planning (with Law minor) from the University of Wisconsin, Madison (1995) MS in Water Resources Management from the University of Wisconsin, Madison (1992) MCRP in Environmental Planning from the University of Cincinnati (1989) BA in Geology from Wittenberg University (1987) Margerum's research examines collaborative decision-making processes through multiple theoretical lenses, developing practical frameworks for implementing collaborative governance in environmental contexts. His seminal MIT Press book Beyond Consensus: Improving Collaboration to Solve Complex Public Problems establishes foundational principles for moving beyond theoretical consensus to actionable solutions. Current investigations explore the professionalization of watershed councils, stakeholder motivations in restoration efforts, and network-based approaches to collaborative planning. Analysis of his publication trajectory (2022-2008) reveals three dominant thematic strands: (1) collaborative hazard mitigation planning informed by enhanced information utilization, (2) professionalization dynamics within watershed management organizations, and (3) metropolitan governance challenges in regional planning contexts. His work consistently bridges academic theory and practical application, often employing comparative international methodologies and mixed-methods evaluation frameworks. Margerum actively mentors graduate students through co-authored research, with recent advisees including Curtis Thomas, Sam Ault, Stephen Dobrinich, Ray McPadden, and Andrew Dutterer. He directs the Oregon Experiential Learning Model and has secured sponsored research funding for collaborative governance initiatives. His Collaboration Curriculum instructional resource demonstrates commitment to pedagogical innovation, providing free teaching materials adopted by institutions worldwide. He leads interdisciplinary research teams working with watershed councils, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to develop implementable collaborative frameworks. Current projects focus on improving information flows in collaborative hazard mitigation and evaluating network effectiveness in metropolitan governance systems.

• Collaborative governance
• Environmental planning and policy
• Watershed management
• +3 more

Dr. Elizabeth F. Pienaar is an Associate Professor in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia. Her expertise lies in the human dimensions of wildlife conservation, focusing on private lands management, invasive species risks, and policy design. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California, Davis (2009), and prior degrees from the University of Queensland, Australia. Research Interests : Dr. Pienaar’s work addresses conservation challenges on private lands, risks of the live animal trade, and economic valuation of ecosystem services. Her research integrates behavioral economics and conservation policy to design effective management strategies. Current projects include studies on Native American communities’ tick-borne disease awareness, exotic pet trade regulations, and urban wildlife tolerance. Awards and Recognition : Fellow, Mammal Research Institute (University of Pretoria) Research Fellow, African Wildlife Economy Institute (Stellenbosch University) 2022 Student Career Success Influencer Award (UGA) 2024 Top Scholar in Wildlife by ScholarGPS Lab and Team : The Pienaar Lab collaborates with researchers from the University of Florida and University of Pretoria, focusing on wildlife conservation in the U.S. and southern Africa. The lab has guided numerous students, including recent graduates Dr. Julia Silva Seixis and Dr. Libby Pratt.

• Wildlife Conservation
• Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management
• Invasive Species
• +3 more

Andrés M. Urcuqui-Bustamante is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). His work bridges environmental science, public health, and policy through a focus on human-nature interactions. He holds a PhD in Environmental Science from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, alongside multiple master's degrees in rural development and biodiversity conservation from institutions in Colombia and Spain. His research investigates how societal perceptions shape responses to environmental challenges such as Lyme disease prevention, urbanization impacts, and biodiversity conservation. Methodologically, he combines qualitative and quantitative approaches with participatory tools like collaborative modeling and role-play simulations to enhance stakeholder collaboration and policy design. Current projects explore green space accessibility in Chicago and Santiago de Cali, and the non-economic values influencing hydrological services programs in Mexico and Colombia. Urcuqui-Bustamante's publications span environmental policy, public health, and participatory governance, with recent work appearing in Environment and Behavior , EcoHealth , and Environmental Science and Policy . He is affiliated with professional organizations including the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning and the International Association for Society and Natural Resources.

• Environmental Policy and Governance
• Urban Planning
• Natural Resource Management
• +4 more

Dr. Jiangxiao Qiu is an Associate Professor of Landscape Ecology at the University of Florida's School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, based at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. His research integrates landscape ecology, ecosystem services, and sustainability science to address global environmental challenges. He employs interdisciplinary approaches including computational modeling, remote sensing, and field experiments to study human-nature interactions across scales. Research Focus: Dr. Qiu investigates how climate change, land-use intensification, and biological invasions alter ecosystems and biodiversity. Key themes include: Landscape sustainability science and social-ecological systems Ecosystem service tradeoffs in agricultural and urban landscapes Global change impacts on biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships Development of geospatial tools for environmental decision-making Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on: Urban ecosystem services and greenspace multifunctionality Post-disturbance forest recovery using remote sensing Soil nutrient dynamics in managed grasslands Integration of cultural ecosystem services in landscape planning Scalable frameworks for biomass and biodiversity monitoring Dr. Qiu actively recruits graduate students through his Landscape Ecology and Sustainability Science Lab, focusing on transformative solutions for conservation and policy challenges. Current research explores urban-rural sustainability linkages, phosphorus cycling in subtropical systems, and climate-resilient landscape design.

• Landscape Ecology
• Ecosystem Services
• Global Change Ecology
• +4 more

Steven J. Dundas is Associate Professor at Oregon State University in the Department of Applied Economics and Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station . He serves on the Science Panel for the Puget Sound Partnership and as Associate Editor for Marine Resource Economics . Key research areas include Environmental Economics , Natural Resource Economics , Non-Market Valuation , and Coastal Ecosystem Services . Education : Ph.D. in Economics from North Carolina State University (2015), M.S. in Agricultural & Resource Economics from University of Delaware (2011), B.S. in Natural Resource Management from University of Delaware (2003) His research focuses on climate change adaptation, coastal hazard mitigation, and environmental policy evaluation. Recent work explores social media impacts on public land visitation, economic modeling of coastal armoring, and non-market valuation of natural infrastructure. He has contributed to Land Economics and Marine Resource Economics , with media coverage in Jefferson Public Radio and American Shoreline Podcast . Scientific Awards include the Outstanding Article Award . Current projects funded by a $500,000 federal grant to assess Oregon dune resilience against sea level rise. He teaches courses like Environmental Economics and Climate Change Economics , with a professional focus on integrating empirical methods and policy usefulness in climate research.

• Environmental economics
• Natural resource economics
• Non-market valuation
• +3 more