Christopher Rojas

Christopher Rojas is an Assistant Teaching Professor in life science ethics at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School of Life Sciences and the Collaborative Governance Lab in the School of Sustainability. He holds a PhD in Biology and Society (2019) and dual BS/BA degrees in Psychology and Philosophy (2013), all from ASU. His research focuses on environmental ethics, particularly the empirical foundations of ethical arguments in environmental decision-making. He emphasizes the role of cooperation and pragmatic approaches in resolving ecological dilemmas. Rojas serves as a Senatorial representative for both the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Senate and the University Senate.

• Education:
• PhD, Biology and Society (Ecology, Economics, and Ethics of the Environment), ASU, 2019
• BS, Psychology, ASU, 2013
• BA, Philosophy, ASU, 2013
• Key Affiliations:
• Ecosystem Services Research Group (School of Life Sciences)
• Collaborative Governance Lab (School of Sustainability)

His research explores whether principled ethical stances like 'nature's immutable value' yield better environmental outcomes than pragmatic approaches. He argues that collaboration embodies a pragmatic environmental ethic, critical for addressing urgent ecological challenges. Rojas teaches courses on biomedical and environmental ethics, supervising honors theses and undergraduate research projects.

Publications include contributions to A Sustainable Philosophy: The Work of Bryan Norton (Springer, 2018). His advising and grant activities are tied to interdisciplinary sustainability efforts. Rojas actively participates in the Collaborative Governance research group, focusing on adaptive management strategies.