Lori Snyder Bennear

Lori Snyder Bennear is a Professor of Environmental Economics and Policy at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, where she also serves as Interim Dean. She holds secondary appointments in the Sanford School of Public Policy and the Department of Economics (Trinity College of Arts & Sciences). Her work focuses on evaluating environmental policies, particularly their effectiveness, strategic responses, distributional impacts, and adaptability. Bennear earned a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Harvard University (2002), an M.A. in Economics from Yale (1996), and a B.A. in Economics and Environmental Studies from Occidental College (1995).

Research & Grants

• Grants include NSF-funded studies on drinking water disclosure and NOAA-supported research on Gulf of Mexico fisheries.
• Explores energy justice, decarbonization, and the economic impacts of ecological disturbances like hypoxia.

Professional Activities

• Leadership in Bass Connections projects addressing energy transitions and environmental justice.
• Service roles include Theme Leader for Energy & Environment at Duke and participation in National Academies committees on offshore drilling and pipeline safety.

Awards & Recognition

• Recipient of multiple teaching awards (2010, 2010).
• Named Juli Plant Grainger Associate Professor (2018–2023) and appointed Stanback Dean (2025).

Teaching

Teaches graduate courses on energy economics and policy, including ENVIRON 635 and ECON 530.