Kerry Ard

Kerry Ard is an Associate Professor in the Environmental and Natural Resource Sociology department at Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. She serves as Chair-Elect of the American Sociological Association's Environmental Sociology Section and Secretary of the International Sociological Association's RC24 Environment & Society. Dr. Ard's research focuses on environmental inequalities shaped by social, political, and economic processes, with particular attention to health outcomes.

• Co-led Ohio State's Sustainability Institute research groups
• Co-PI on $1.3 million EPA STAR grant
• Presented to U.S. Senate Climate Task Force
• Interdisciplinary focus on environmental science, policy, and public health

Dr. Ard's work bridges sociological frameworks with environmental health research, examining how pollution disparities impact cognitive development and community well-being. Her studies analyze cumulative stressor exposures in vulnerable populations, emphasizing actionable political solutions.

Her recent publications explore:

• Political origins of environmental inequality
• Urban vegetation tradeoffs in shrinking cities
• Climate change policy countermovements
• Intersection of environmental risks with race/class disparities

As a leader in environmental sociology, Dr. Ard has secured significant research funding and collaborated with industry partners like American Electric Power to develop community-focused sustainability policies.