Amy Quandt

Amy Quandt is an Associate Professor of Geography at San Diego State University (SDSU), affiliated with the College of Arts and Letters. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder, an M.S. in Resource Conservation from the University of Montana Missoula, and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Puget Sound. Her work focuses on agroforestry, climate change adaptation, social-ecological resilience, and the application of mobile technologies in agricultural development.

Quandt’s research explores intersections between environmental conservation and rural livelihoods, with fieldwork in East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia) and California. She previously served as Global Coordinator for the Land-Potential Knowledge System (LandPKS) Project, developing mobile apps to improve land management for smallholder farmers. Fluent in KiSwahili, she has extensive experience with international NGOs, including Peace Corps Tanzania (2007–2010) and the Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Centre (2013).

Her scientific awards include Global Young Academy membership (2020–2025) and a Borlaug Fellowship (2014–2015). She teaches courses like Human Dimensions of Climate Change and Environmental Conservation Practice, and actively mentors graduate students in geography and public health. Current research projects include climate change adaptation strategies in semi-arid regions and farmworker resilience in border communities.

Quandt has secured over $1.5 million in grants, including NSF funding for compound extreme event research and USDA grants for sustainable agroecosystems. Her work bridges academic research with practical tools like LandPKS, emphasizing participatory approaches to environmental challenges.