Dean Hardy

Dean Hardy is an Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina, jointly appointed in the School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment and the Department of Geography. His work bridges environmental science and social justice, with a focus on the socioecological impacts of climate change, particularly sea-level rise and coastal flooding.

• Ph.D. in Integrative Conservation and Geography, University of Georgia (2016)
• M.S. in Ecology, University of Georgia (2009)
• B.S. in Marine Sciences, Ecology, and Biology, University of Georgia (2003)

Dr. Hardy's research centers on environmental justice, political ecology, and climate adaptation, especially in the U.S. Southeast. He investigates how structural inequalities shape vulnerability to climate hazards, employing mixed methods such as spatial analysis, interviews, and ethnographic fieldwork. His work challenges colorblind adaptation policies and emphasizes community-led resilience.

His recent publications highlight trends in socioecological vulnerability, racial inequity in coastal planning, and interdisciplinary approaches to hazards research. He has contributed to high-impact journals like Annals of the AAG, Nature Communications, and Geoforum, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary focus on climate justice and coastal dynamics.

Selected Grants:

• NSF EPSCoR RII Track-2 FEC (2023–2027): $3.9M+ project on climate resilience in the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta; Sub-award PI at USC
• NSF Geography and Spatial Sciences Program (2018–2022): Co-PI on socioecological impacts of exurban development and sea-level rise

Dr. Hardy is an Affiliated Investigator with the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER and serves on the Advisory Board of the Cornelia Walker Bailey Program on Land and Agriculture, supporting African American communities in coastal Georgia. He teaches courses including Environmental Science and Policy, Water Resources, and Socionatural Coastlines.