Laura Kuhl

Laura Kuhl serves as Associate Professor of Public Policy and Urban Affairs and International Affairs at Northeastern University's School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, where her work examines climate adaptation and sustainable transitions through lenses of power and equity across scales from individual decision-making to international policymaking.

Her academic foundation includes a PhD and MALD from Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and a BA in Environmental Studies and Anthropology from Middlebury College.

Professor Kuhl's research centers on climate finance (particularly adaptation finance), energy equity after crises, and transformational adaptation, with strong emphasis on social justice implications. She investigates how power dynamics shape resilience processes in US and international contexts, analyzing tensions between top-down policy frameworks and localized community needs through case studies in Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, and coastal regions.

Analysis of her 2021-2024 publications reveals dominant themes in Green Climate Fund operations, loss-and-damage financing mechanisms, disaster recovery justice, and nature-based solutions. Her work consistently bridges climate policy with equity considerations, demonstrating how financial instruments and governance structures can either reinforce or mitigate vulnerabilities in adaptation processes.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Northeastern University Excellence in Teaching Award (2023)
• CSSH Outstanding Teaching Award (2022)
• Peter Ackerman Award for Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation (The Fletcher School, 2017)
• NSF Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Fellowship (Water Diplomacy Program, 2011-2013)

Professor Kuhl teaches Climate Policy and Justice (PPUA 5267) and Senior Capstone in International Affairs (INTL 4700), integrating climate justice frameworks with policy design and implementation analysis. Her courses emphasize experiential learning through co-ops and international study, preparing students to address complex climate governance challenges.

No specific research labs or team structures are detailed in available materials, though her collaborative publications indicate active engagement with interdisciplinary research networks focused on climate adaptation finance and disaster resilience.