Crystal A. Kolden

Crystal A. Kolden is an Associate Professor in the Management of Complex Systems department at the School of Engineering, University of California, Merced. Her research focuses on wildfire dynamics within human-environment systems using geospatial, temporal, and mixed-methods approaches.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Geography, Clark University (2010)
  • M.S. in Geography, University of Nevada, Reno (2005)
  • A.B. in History (cum laude), Cornell University (1999)

Kolden's work bridges wildfire science with socio-environmental systems, emphasizing fire resilience and sustainable land management in the American West. She directs the UC Merced Fire Resilience Center and leads the PyroLab, which explores fire ecology, conservation, and land management strategies.

Her career includes prior roles as Associate and Assistant Professor at the University of Idaho (2011-2020), Research Faculty at the University of Idaho (2010-2011), and positions with the US Geological Survey and USDA Forest Service. She has collaborated with institutions like the Desert Research Institute (2004-2012).