Dylan M. Harris

Dylan M. Harris, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography & Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, within the College of Letters, Arts, & Sciences. His academic work bridges geography, environmental studies, and critical theory with a focus on innovative approaches to understanding socioecological challenges.

Dr. Harris's research interests span Nature-Society Relations, Climate Change, Political Ecology, Storytelling, Environmental/Climate Justice, Cultural Geography, and Critical Physical Geography. His work explores how narrative frameworks shape our understanding of environmental crises and social issues, with particular attention to experimental methodologies that push disciplinary boundaries.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent scholarly output across multiple high-impact geography and environmental studies journals. His research trajectory shows increasing focus on the intersections between student debt as a socioecological issue, climate justice, and innovative storytelling approaches to environmental challenges. He has developed a distinctive voice in political ecology that emphasizes experimental and speculative approaches.

• University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Green Action Fund Research Seed Grant (2022)
• University of Colorado Colorado Springs Office of Research, Committee on Research and Creative Works Seed Grant (2021)
• National Science Foundation Geography and Spatial Sciences Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Award (2019)
• The Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation Environmental Leadership Fellowship (2018)
• Edna Bailey Sussman Fund Environmental Fellowship (2018)

Dr. Harris teaches courses including Introduction to Environmental Studies & Sustainability, World Regional Geography, Nature & Society, and Global Climate & Environmental Change. He serves in multiple university roles including Green Action Fund Faculty Advisor, Committee on Research and Creative Works Grant Reviewer, and Campus Sustainability Committee member. His community engagement extends beyond campus through work with The Chinook Center and the Honcho Campout queer music festival, reflecting his commitment to connecting academic work with community-based action.