Kim Carlson

Kim Carlson is an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at New York University. Her research focuses on the intersection of environmental science and policy, particularly in tropical regions. She investigates the impacts of agricultural sustainability certification (e.g., palm oil) on deforestation, community well-being, and labor practices in Indonesia. Her work integrates geospatial data analysis, field surveys, and interviews to understand complex land-use dynamics. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, advocating for programs that bridge natural and social environmental sciences.

Her current projects examine how certification systems like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) affect environmental and social outcomes in oil palm plantations. She collaborates with Indonesian researchers to assess policy effectiveness and smallholder inclusion. Carlson highlights the importance of mentorship for students, encouraging them to engage with professors for career guidance and networking.

Her research spans topics such as carbon sequestration, zero-deforestation supply chains, and the environmental impacts of commodity crops. While no awards are listed, her contributions to environmental policy and tropical conservation are evident through her extensive publication record. She advises students on academic and professional pathways but no specific advisees are named in the provided text.