Mark Axelrod

Mark Axelrod is a Professor with a joint appointment in James Madison College and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University, specializing in international environmental governance and justice outcomes. His work bridges political science, law, and natural resource management through interdisciplinary research and teaching.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Political Science, Duke University (2008)
• M.A. in Political Science, Duke University (2005)
• J.D., Stanford University Law School (2004)
• B.S. in Environmental Policy and Behavior, University of Michigan (1998)

Axelrod's research examines institutional change in environmental law, gendered impacts of fisheries policy in India, and climate migration dynamics. His recent publications reveal strong trends in intersectional environmental justice analysis, decentralized governance challenges, and policy responses to scientific uncertainty, with significant focus on global South contexts. The work consistently integrates gender, power dynamics, and community-level implementation challenges.

His scientific contributions include:

• Co-leadership of Michigan Scholars Strategy Network chapter
• Campus representation for Climate Science Legal Defense Fund
• Editorial board membership at Global Environmental Politics
• Contributor role for International Environmental Agreements Database

Axelrod directs significant grant activity including the YOURE(in)CHARJ project funded by Burroughs Wellcome Fund, examining climate-health-racial justice intersections. His advising focuses on policy-relevant research connecting environmental governance with social justice frameworks. He co-facilitates international workshops like the 2011 Malawian conservation initiative, demonstrating commitment to global capacity building.

His affiliations span the Center for Gender in Global Context and Water Alliance, where he contributes to interdisciplinary teams addressing water governance and gendered climate impacts through the Earth System Governance Project.