Alexandra Paige Fischer

Alexandra Paige Fischer is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS). Her research focuses on the human dimensions of environmental change, with emphasis on climate change adaptation, wildfire risk governance, and collective action in forested ecosystems. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and serves as a contributing author to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report.

• PhD, Oregon State University (Forest Resources Social Science)
• MS, Oregon State University (Forest Resources Social Science)
• BA, Hampshire College (Cultural Anthropology)

Her research integrates theories from natural resource sociology and human-environment geography, employing qualitative interviews, quantitative surveys, and social network analysis. She leads the Western Forest and Fire Initiative and investigates socio-ecological systems in fire-prone regions and coastal communities. Her work spans the U.S. West and Chile, where she explores global wildfire challenges and flammable plantation impacts.

Recent publications highlight her contributions to climate adaptation frameworks, collective risk mitigation, and socio-ecological network analysis. She has received recognition as a Fulbright Scholar and leading fire science researcher.

• Fulbright Scholar, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile
• 50 Female Leading Scholars in Fire Science

Grants include USDA Forest Service projects on climate change impacts on family forestlands and forestry responses to climate change. She actively contributes to Nature Sustainability, Global Environmental Change, and serves as Associate Editor for Ecology and Society and Frontiers in Climate.