Margaret O Wilder

Margaret O. Wilder is a Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Arizona, specializing in water governance, transboundary environmental policy, and climate change adaptation. Her work focuses on US-Mexico border issues, particularly water security, climate vulnerability, and environmental justice. She holds a Ph.D. in Geography (University of Arizona), M.A. in Public Policy (University of Chicago), and B.A. in Government (University of Notre Dame).

Research Interests: Her interdisciplinary work addresses transboundary water management, climate adaptation strategies, and equity in resource distribution. Recent projects include analyzing science-policy networks in the arid Americas, assessing climate impacts on border communities, and studying the human right to water in Mexico. Key themes include hydrodiplomacy, urban water vulnerability, and socio-ecological resilience.

Awards: Recognitions include the Water International Honorable Mention (2016), Puentes Consortium Visiting Scholar Award (2012), and Tucson Public Voices Fellowship (2018–2019). Her work bridges academia and policy, with contributions to the National Climate Assessment and multiple international collaborations.

Teaching: Courses span from undergraduate (e.g., 'Understanding Mexico Today') to graduate levels (e.g., 'Research Design in Geography'). She advises students on topics like environmental justice, border studies, and water policy.

Grants & Collaborations: Leads interdisciplinary projects funded by NOAA, NSF, and binational consortia. Collaborates with institutions like El Colegio de Sonora, CICESE, and the Udall Center for Public Policy. Her research emphasizes stakeholder engagement and transnational partnerships.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Udall Center’s climate adaptation initiatives and the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research. Coordinates workshops on binational water governance and climate diplomacy.