University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUnited States
Matthew Palm is an Assistant Professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, holding the Cities Pardue Fellowship. His research focuses on transportation equity, shift work commuting challenges, and mobility barriers affecting essential workers in 24-hour economies. He examines how transportation systems impact social participation, healthcare access, and economic opportunities while advocating for equitable planning solutions. Recent work explores post-pandemic transit trends, ride-sharing equity, and the intersection of transportation policy with marginalized communities. Palm collaborates with community organizations to co-create evidence-based solutions for mobility challenges. He currently holds a $1.09 billion grant reflecting North Carolina’s renewed interest in rail infrastructure. His research agenda includes three core areas: 1) analyzing how shift workers’ nighttime commuting affects social exclusion and family care logistics, 2) studying transportation affordability’s role in economic participation, and 3) evaluating transportation infrastructure’s dual potential to improve lives while mitigating negative externalities like pollution. He emphasizes participatory approaches to planning and has published extensively on pandemic-era transit usage shifts, accessibility metrics, and housing-transit linkages.
Asma Mehan, Ph.D. , is an Assistant Professor at the Huckabee College of Architecture, Texas Tech University , with a Ph.D. in Architecture, History, and Project from Politecnico di Torino (2017). Her work bridges architectural humanities and critical urban studies , focusing on urban inclusivity, heritage preservation, and climate justice. She authored two books— Tehran: From Sacred to Radical (2022) and Kuala Lumpur: Community, Infrastructure, and Urban Inclusivity (2020)—and leads the Coordination Team of the AESOP Young Academics network. Education: Ph.D. in Architecture, History, and Project, Politecnico di Torino (2017) Her research spans spatial justice , feminist placemaking , and heritage studies , addressing issues like oil urbanism , digital citizen participation , and resilient housing . Articles highlight her interdisciplinary approach to urban resilience, AI integration, and socio-environmental equity. She has held fellowships including the FCT Scientific Employment Stimulus and NIAS-KNAW Urban Citizenship Fellowship. Scientific Awards: AESOP Young Academics Award European Architectural History Network (EAHN) Fellowship Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) Grant ZK/U Berlin Researcher-in-Residence SAHGB Award Dr. Mehan has taught at TU Delft and Politecnico di Torino, guest lectured at TU Munich and Deakin University, and conducted visiting research in Switzerland, Australia, and Berlin. Her work appears in over 50 publications across English, Persian, and Italian, emphasizing critical pedagogy , collaborative design , and policy toolkits for urban inclusivity.
Paige West is The Claire Tow Professor of Anthropology at Barnard College and a faculty member at Columbia University. She directs Columbia's Climate School Transdisciplinary Research Lab. Her work focuses on environmental conservation, Indigenous sovereignty in Melanesia, and climate change adaptation. She earned her Ph.D. in cultural and environmental anthropology from Rutgers University, with earlier degrees from Wofford College and the University of Georgia. Dr. West has conducted over 100 months of fieldwork in Papua New Guinea, collaborating with Indigenous communities to revitalize socio-ecological systems. Her research bridges anthropology with political ecology, examining linkages between environmental policy and international development. Key interests include Indigenous knowledge systems, conservation inequities, and commodity cultures. Director: Columbia University Climate School Transdisciplinary Research Lab Co-founder: PNG Institute of Biological Research and Roviana Solwara Skul Anthropological Director: Ailan Awareness NGO Award-winning author of three books, she founded the journal *Environment and Society: Advances in Research*. Her 2016 book *Dispossession and the Environment* won the Columbia University Distinguished Book Award. Current projects include a Guggenheim-funded book on climate change and kinship. Notable recognitions include Guggenheim Fellowship, Phi Beta Kappa Lecturer (2017-2018), and designation as one of 2021's 50 people changing the world by The Explorers Club. Her work integrates academic research with applied conservation initiatives, emphasizing Indigenous-led methodologies.
Kathryn Lanouette is an Assistant Professor of Learning Sciences and Science Education at William & Mary’s School of Education. She holds faculty affiliate appointments in the Arts & Sciences (ENSP, IIC). Her research explores place-based pedagogies, emerging technologies, and their roles in fostering joyful, ethical science and data science learning for K-8 students. She collaborates with schools, museums, and youth-serving organizations to design curricula and outdoor learning experiences. Education: Ph.D. in Learning Sciences and Human Development, University of California, Berkeley (2017) M.A. in Museum and Childhood Education, Bank Street Graduate School of Education B.A. in Politics, Oberlin College Research Interests: Lanouette focuses on intersections between emotion, place, and data literacy, emphasizing participatory approaches to environmental and socio-ecological education. Her work bridges theory and practice, advocating for equitable, interdisciplinary STEM+ curricula that connect students to local ecosystems and global challenges. Recent Trends in Publications: Her articles emphasize participatory methodologies (e.g., digital mapping, data storytelling), socio-political dimensions of learning, and ethical frameworks for data science education. Recent work highlights collaborations between educators and community organizations to co-create knowledge about climate change and socio-ecological systems. Awards: Outstanding Short Paper Award (2025), International Society of the Learning Sciences NSF-funded ‘Writing Data Stories’ postdoctoral research (2017–2020) Teaching & Mentorship: Lanouette teaches courses on education research, science pedagogy, and applied conservation sciences. She mentors students through interdisciplinary projects, such as the NSF-funded ‘Writing Data Stories’ initiative and NOAA’s Teacher at Sea program. Labs/Teams: Collaborations include partnerships with UC Berkeley’s Science Education Lab, museums, and K-12 schools to develop place-responsive curricula and community-driven data projects.
Gary M. Shaw is the Rosemarie Hess Professor and Professor (Research) at Stanford University , with courtesy appointments in the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health and Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology - Maternal Fetal Medicine . He serves as Co-PI of the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Stanford and PI of the California Center for Finding Causes and Preventives of Birth Defects . His research focuses on the Epidemiology of birth defects Gene-environment interactions in perinatal outcomes Nutritional factors in reproductive health . He has developed machine learning approaches for precision parenteral nutrition and predictive models for preterm birth, while investigating persistent metabolomic signatures following hypertensive pregnancy disorders. Shaw's recent work explores Climate change impacts on reproductive health Maternal-fetal immune interactions Epigenetic mechanisms in perinatal disease with applications of multiomics to neonatal intensive care units. As a member of Bio-X and the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute , he contributes to translational research networks while serving as Associate Editor for Birth Defects Research and American Journal of Medical Genetics . He supervises Med Scholar Project student Richard Liang Doctoral co-advisor for Saskia Comess and Richard Liang Master's advisor for Lenae Joe while leading the Division of Neonatology as Associate Chair for Clinical Research (2012-2025). His laboratory work integrates Metabolomic profiling Proteomic analysis Computational modeling Machine learning for biomedical data to advance neonatal care through precision medicine approaches.
Neema Kudva is a Professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning at Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP). She is currently on leave but remains actively involved in research and academic leadership. She serves as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, House Professor and Dean at Becker House, and co-chair of the AAP Council for Diversity & Inclusion. She is also a faculty affiliate of the South Asia Program, a fellow at the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, and a field member in public affairs, Asian studies, development sociology, and visual studies. Education: Dip.Arch., School of Architecture CEPT, Ahmedabad, India (1989) M.Arch./M.C.P., University of California–Berkeley Ph.D., University of California–Berkeley (2001) Neema Kudva’s research centers on equitable planning, institutional structures for development, small cities in the Global South, and participatory planning. Her work emphasizes community-based engagement, sustainability, and social policy, with significant focus on South Asia. She leads the Nilgiris Field Learning Center in Kotagiri, India, a transdisciplinary collaboration between Cornell and the Keystone Foundation, fostering engaged learning and research. Her pedagogical innovations include citizenship and sustainability planning experiments. Her recent publications reflect a strong interdisciplinary focus on urban transformations, land dispossession, conservation, and justice. Themes across her work include spatial equity, decolonial planning, informal urbanism, and NGO roles in development. She explores how everyday practices and exceptional events shape just and sustainable urban futures. Scientific Awards and Fellowships: Kendall S. Carpenter Memorial Advising Award, Cornell University (2015) Senior long term research fellow, American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS), Chicago and Delhi (2017) Neema Kudva has secured multiple grants for engaged research and curriculum development, particularly through Engaged Cornell and the Mario Einaudi Center. She has advised numerous students, recognized through her advising award, and collaborates extensively across disciplines and institutions, including Syracuse University and the Keystone Foundation. Her leadership in academic affairs and residential education underscores her commitment to holistic student development. She is deeply involved in transdisciplinary labs and teams, especially through the Nilgiris Field Learning Center, which integrates education, research, and practice in conservation and spatial justice. This field-based collaboratory exemplifies her commitment to community-engaged scholarship and sustainable development.
Emanuele Di Lorenzo is a Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Brown University. Previously, he held roles as Professor and Director (2016–2022) of the Ocean Science and Engineering program at Georgia Tech, which he co-founded. He is the Chairman and co-founder of Ocean Visions, a non-profit transforming academic research into actionable ocean-based climate solutions, and co-leads the United Nations Ocean Decade Collaborative Center on Ocean-Climate Solutions. He earned a Ph.D. in ocean and climate sciences from Scripps Institution of Oceanography (2003) and has been at Brown since 2022. Education: B.S. in Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna (1997) Ph.D. in Climate Sciences, Scripps Institution of Oceanography (2003) Research focuses on ocean climate dynamics, coastal systems, and solutions to climate challenges. Key areas include Large-scale ocean and climate modeling, Impacts of climate variability on marine ecosystems, Social-ecological-environmental systems, Coastal resilience strategies. He leads initiatives like the Ocean Vital Signs Network and the Global Ecosystem for Ocean Solutions (GEOS), fostering international collaboration. Publications emphasize marine heatwaves, Pacific decadal variability, and coastal flooding. Awards include the PICES SB Award (2013) and Georgia Tech’s Class of 1964 Teaching Award (2012). He advises over 36 Ph.D. students in ocean science programs and co-founded the OCE Data Science High School Internship to advance STEM equity. Labs/Teams: Leads the Di Lorenzo Research Group and collaborates with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Current efforts prioritize equitable ocean solutions, coastal inundation modeling, and climate adaptation frameworks.
Amity Doolittle is a Senior Lecturer II at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE), Yale University. Her research focuses on property rights, natural resource management, and the social and political processes shaping environmental inequities. She employs interdisciplinary methods from anthropology, political science, environmental history, and political ecology. Notable projects include historical land-use studies in New Haven, Connecticut, and analyses of indigenous rights in global climate policy. She teaches graduate courses on qualitative research methods, environmental justice, and property rights, emphasizing active, collaborative learning. Doolittle holds a B.A. from Harvard University and M.E.S./Ph.D. from Yale University. Her office is located in Kroon Hall, Yale’s environmental campus. Education: B.A., Harvard University; M.E.S., Ph.D., Yale University Her research interests include legal pluralism, historical resource conflicts, and the intersection of colonial and postcolonial discourses. Current projects examine urban land-use changes in New Haven and the rhetorical strategies of indigenous leaders in climate negotiations. She advises 10–12 master’s students annually on thesis projects and placements worldwide. Teaching highlights include Qualitative Research Methods , Environmental Justice , and Political Ecology of Tropical Forests . Her courses integrate hands-on methods, such as analyzing oral histories and policy documents. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Urban Resources Initiative (URI) on greenspace stewardship and community-led projects.
Dr. C. Rhett Jackson serves as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and holds the John Porter Stevens Distinguished Professorship in Water Resources at the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. His research focuses on the impacts of land use (forestry, agriculture, urbanization) on water quality and aquatic habitats, with particular emphasis on riparian vegetation, stream temperatures, and hydrological processes. He leads trans-disciplinary projects involving collaborators from environmental engineering, ecology, and geology. Education: PhD in Hydrology (University of Washington), MSE and BSE in Environmental Engineering (Duke University). Affiliations: Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Studies (IRIS), River Basin Center, and Coweeta LTER. Research interests include interflow dynamics, nitrogen cycling in mountain catchments, and the effectiveness of best management practices for nonpoint source pollution. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles and has been recognized for his contributions to environmental science through the Distinguished Professor title. Key labs/centers: Water Resources Area, IRIS, and Coweeta LTER. His work bridges basic hydrologic science with applied water resource management, addressing both rural and urban challenges such as bioenergy crop impacts, karst groundwater interactions, and urban stream restoration.
Gretchen Daily is the Bing Professor of Environmental Science and a Professor in the Department of Biology at Stanford University. She serves as Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment and by courtesy at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. Her work focuses on integrating natural science and economics to advance sustainability, particularly through the Natural Capital Project, which she co-founded and directs. Academic Appointments Professor, Biology Senior Fellow, Woods Institute for the Environment Senior Fellow (By courtesy), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies Administrative Roles Director, Natural Capital Project (2005–Present) Director, Center for Conservation Biology (2010–Present) Research Interests: Daily's scholarship centers on land use , biodiversity dynamics , and ecosystem services . Her work spans tropical conservation, sustainable agriculture, urban ecology, and policy innovation through natural capital accounting. Key themes include quantifying nature's contributions to people, climate-biodiversity synergies, and equity in environmental governance. Scientific Awards: Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow, American Philosophical Society (2008) Fellow, US National Academy of Sciences (2005) Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2003) Faculty Fellow, Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health (2021) Faculty Affiliate, Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions (2021) Daily's advising and collaborative research spans graduate mentorship, interdisciplinary projects, and global policy applications. She leads teams at the Natural Capital Project and Woods Institute , focusing on scalable solutions for ecosystem service valuation and sustainable development.
Gerard Francisco Sandoval is a Professor in the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management at the University of Oregon, where he also serves as Associate Director of the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies. He actively contributes to Oregon's public policy landscape as a Commissioner on the Land Conservation and Development Commission (term 2019-2023) and as a councilmember on the State's Housing Stability Council. Dr. Sandoval's educational background includes: PhD in City and Regional Planning, University of California, Berkeley (2007) MCP in City and Regional Planning, University of California, Berkeley (2002) BS in Community and Regional Development, University of California, Davis (2000) His scholarly research focuses on the intersection of city planning, immigration, and sustainable neighborhood revitalization. Sandoval employs detailed narrative case studies to explore ethnic identity, equity, and bioregionalism, with particular attention to how planning can achieve equitable outcomes through environmental ethics, affordable housing access, inclusive land-use policies, and transparent public participation mechanisms. His work often centers on immigrant communities, examining gentrification, displacement, infrastructure, and the socio-economic implications of development in marginalized neighborhoods. Born in Guatemala, Sandoval's personal connection to immigration issues stems from his family's experience leaving Guatemala during its civil war. Analysis of Sandoval's publications reveals a consistent focus on urban equity, with particular emphasis on how immigrant communities navigate and shape urban spaces. His research trajectory shows an evolution from studying transnational networks of undocumented workers to broader examinations of racial equity in planning, gentrification, and sustainable neighborhood revitalization. The geographic scope of his work spans from specific case studies in places like MacArthur Park in Los Angeles and Postville, Iowa, to theoretical explorations of planning ethics and practices across the Galápagos Islands and Oregon's forest communities. Dr. Sandoval's significant contributions to the field have been recognized with several prestigious awards: Chester Rapkin Award (2014) for best planning article Paul Davidoff Book Award honorable mention (2013) Barclay Gibbs Jones Award for best dissertation in planning (2009) Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award from the University of Oregon for promoting diversity, social justice, and equity As an academic leader, Sandoval serves as the Dean's Fellow for Diversity at the College of Design and leads the college's Diversity and Inclusion Committee. His public service extends beyond academia through his appointments to state commissions where he applies his expertise to address Oregon's housing and land use challenges. His research has attracted media attention, with coverage in Newsweek, Los Angeles Times, and Oregon Quarterly. Sandoval's work bridges academic research with practical planning applications, particularly in the context of immigrant integration and sustainable community development. Dr. Sandoval maintains active research connections with communities in Oregon, Guatemala, and the Galápagos Islands, where he studies bioregional revitalization. His current research examines equitable planning outcomes achieved through integrating environmental ethics, providing access to affordable housing, supporting inclusive land-use policies, recognizing generative economic development, and designing transparent public participation mechanisms to revitalize urban cities and rural towns.
Caitlyn Hall is a Joint Assistant Professor of Practice in Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, Assistant Professor of Practice in Biosystems Engineering, and Director of the Future Earth Resilience minor program at the W.A. Franke Honors College. She founded the Arizona Science Policy Network and advises decision-makers on equitable legislation. Her roles span multiple departments at the University of Arizona, integrating environmental science with policy and community engagement. Educations: PhD in Environmental Engineering, Arizona State University BS and MS in unspecified fields from the University of Arizona Research Interests: Hall focuses on environmental justice, natural hazard resilience, and science policy, particularly in water governance, sustainability, and soil/water remediation. Her work emphasizes community-driven solutions and equitable policy development, leveraging transdisciplinary approaches to address climate adaptation and disaster recovery. She has pioneered efforts in open science and inclusive geoscience education. Articles Trends: Her recent publications emphasize integrating earth observation technologies with policy, advancing microbial-based ground stabilization techniques, and promoting equity in post-disaster recovery. Key themes include climate action frameworks, cross-cultural sustainability solutions, and open hydrology practices. Awards: No specific awards listed. Advising & Grants: Leads the Future Earth Resilience minor program and advises policymakers on legislative frameworks. Active in curriculum development for interdisciplinary environmental studies and community-driven research initiatives. Labs/Teams: Founder of the Arizona Science Policy Network, collaborates with global hydrology platforms like eWaterCycle, and engages in initiatives addressing US-Mexico border sustainability challenges.
Andy White is Professor of Practice and Engagement at the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), where he leads courses on Indigenous Rights, Conservation, and Climate Action. He advises the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on land return initiatives and convenes the international Pathways Alliance for Change and Transformation (PACT). Prior to joining SEAS in 2023, he co-founded the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) and served as president of its secretariat, Rights and Resources Group. His research spans environmental justice, sustainability, forest tenure systems, climate policy, and community-based governance. White's work emphasizes the role of Indigenous Peoples in conservation and climate solutions, with field experience across 30+ countries. Key themes include market-based conservation mechanisms, land rights, and equitable resource governance. White's scholarly publications (1995–2011) focus on forest policy, climate adaptation, and community rights. Earlier works analyze collective action and land-use economics, while later publications address carbon markets and tenure reforms. Recurring topics include indigenous livelihoods, forest governance, and policy design for equitable conservation. Leadership in Networks: Co-founded Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI), advancing Indigenous land rights globally Convenor of Pathways Alliance for Change and Transformation (PACT) Co-chaired MegaFlorestais (international forest agency network) Co-chaired Interlaken Group (investor-NGO coalition for community land rights) Co-created International Land and Forest Tenure Facility
Caroline Gottschalk is the Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor in the Department of English at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her work bridges environmental rhetoric, community engagement, and river restoration, focusing on socio-ecological systems and cultural revitalization. She directs the Headwaters Lab, a transdisciplinary research group exploring human-environment relationships through storytelling and participatory methods. Education: Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago M.S., University of Wisconsin-Madison M.A., University of Illinois at Chicago B.S.W., University of Iowa B.A., University of Iowa Research Interests: Gottschalk’s work emphasizes community-based collaboration, place-responsive storytelling, and the ethical dimensions of environmental restoration. She examines how marginalized voices and nonhuman agencies shape ecological narratives and policy-making. Recent projects include flood resilience frameworks in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area and rethinking beaver-based restoration through Indigenous knowledge systems. Publications: Her recent work spans Geoforum, Environment and Planning E, and Duke University Press, analyzing topics like transdisciplinary river research, contested restoration practices, and feminist flood futures. These studies highlight tensions between ecological management and cultural values. Awards: Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor (University of Wisconsin-Madison) Teaching and Outreach: Gottschalk teaches courses like ENGL 236 (Writing Rivers) and ENGL 706 (Community Engaged Praxis), integrating service-learning and public scholarship. She prioritizes ethical university-community partnerships, advocating for “positive barriers to access” that balance collaboration with accountability. Labs and Teams: The Headwaters Lab collaborates with ecologists, policymakers, and local communities on projects like the Driftless Area Flood Resilience Initiative. Current efforts include developing narrative-based tools for climate adaptation and recentering relational ethics in restoration science.
Joel Hartter is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado, where he also served as the founding director of the Masters of the Environment and Outdoor Recreation Economy programs. With dual BS degrees in Mechanical Engineering and German from the University of Michigan, an MS in Forest Engineering from Oregon State University, and a PhD in Geography from the University of Florida, his expertise bridges sustainability science, policy, and practice. His research focuses on private sector engagement in sustainability, ESG frameworks, climate action, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular attention to net-zero strategies, bioeconomy implementation, and nature-based solutions. Dr. Hartter’s work emphasizes stakeholder engagement, inclusive decision-making, and bridging science with practical applications in conservation, climate resilience, and economic development. He has led projects globally in Africa, South America, and the US, addressing challenges such as wildlife conservation, sustainable supply chains, and community-based natural resource management. As a National Geographic Explorer and advisor to Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, and governments, he integrates sustainability into organizational strategies to drive innovation and competitive advantage. His teaching reaches over 20,000 students annually through courses on sustainability leadership and workforce development. Dr. Hartter’s interdisciplinary approach combines geospatial analysis, participatory methods, and behavioral science to address complex socio-ecological issues. His research spans topics like climate migration, household vulnerability, and the impact of conservation policies on communities. Notable projects include studying land-use changes in Uganda’s Albertine Rift and evaluating the effects of oil exploration on protected areas in Murchison Falls Conservation Area. Dr. Hartter collaborates closely with communities, governments, and international organizations to create equitable, actionable sustainability solutions.
