Danielle Wood

Danielle Wood is an Associate Professor of the Practice at the University of Notre Dame, affiliated with the Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative. She also serves as the Director of the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), where she leads efforts in climate resilience and adaptation planning.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning with a minor in Public Management – University of Wisconsin-Madison
• M.S. – University of Wisconsin-Madison
• B.S. – Purdue University

Research Interests:

Her research spans climate resilience, adaptation decision-support, and community engagement. She focuses on how sustainability indicators and quality-of-life metrics can drive collective impact and systemic change in communities. Her work integrates asset-based development, research translation, and collective impact strategies to address complex environmental and social challenges.

Her recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on community-engaged STEM education, urban climate vulnerabilities, and data-driven environmental assessments. These works often explore how institutions and communities can collaboratively address issues like flood risk, urban heat, and water security using reanalysis data and participatory research models.

Scientific Contributions & Awards:

• Extensive publication record in community-engaged research and environmental planning
• Leadership in ND-GAIN, a globally recognized climate adaptation initiative
• Principal investigator on NSF-funded projects focusing on STEM education and community impact

Advising & Grant Leadership:

• Leads interdisciplinary teams in community-engaged research and educational innovation
• Directs ND-GAIN, which supports global adaptation planning and policy development
• Manages NSF-funded initiatives that integrate student learning with community-based research

Labs & Teams:

Danielle Wood leads the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), a flagship program that bridges research, policy, and practice in climate adaptation. Her work is closely tied to the Environmental Change Initiative, where she collaborates with faculty and students to translate research into actionable strategies for sustainable development.