Ninian Stein

Ninian Stein is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Studies at Tufts University, School of Arts and Sciences. Her work bridges anthropology, archaeology, and environmental science, focusing on environmental policy communication, landscape literacy, and community-driven sustainability frameworks. She has taught at multiple institutions including Smith College and the University of Massachusetts Boston.

Education:

• PhD, Brown University (2007)
• MESc, Yale University (2003)
• MA, Anthropology, Harvard University (2001)
• BA, Environmental Studies & Anthropology/Archaeology, Brown University (1999)

Research Interests:

Stein’s research emphasizes 'landscape literacy'—interpreting historical land use to inform future planning. Current projects include developing the Bioregional Urbanism framework with Boston’s Grove Hall community and studying industrial site transformation (e.g., Pawtucket textile mills turned artists’ spaces). She also explores how disciplinary cultures of science and policy shape environmental narratives.

Publications:

Her work spans book chapters on ecoresiliency and ecocultural identity, peer-reviewed articles on environmental resiliency frameworks, and manuscripts on bioregional urbanism and industrial archaeology. Recent contributions include Routledge Handbook of Ecocultural Identity (2020) and Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences (2017).

Awards:

• Faculty Fellow, Tisch College for Civic Life (2017–2018)

Teaching & Advising:

Stein teaches courses like Environmental Policy, Environmental Communication, and Capstone projects. She advises undergraduate research and has a passion for career counseling, particularly in environmental fields. She hopes to develop a course on 'Food, Clothing, Shelter: Our Stuff and Sustainability.'

Community Engagement:

Collaborates with organizations like Grove Hall Main Streets to implement adaptive resilience strategies. Her work emphasizes participatory frameworks for sustainability and equitable resource utilization.