معرفی
Dr. Patrick Hurley is a Professor and Chair of Environmental Studies at Ursinus College, leading initiatives like the Robert and Shurley Knaefler Whittaker Environmental Research Station and the People and Urban Forests research group. His work focuses on urban and rural environments, particularly forested ecosystems and their roles in providing ecosystem services. He emphasizes experiential learning through projects like the Ursinus Food Forest, where students engage in sustainable land management. A recipient of the 2013 Excellence in Teaching Award and the Morris K. Udall Fellowship, he has published widely on urban foraging, exurban dynamics, and political ecology.
Education: B.A. German Language & Politics (University of Maryland), M.S. & Ph.D. Environmental Studies (University of Oregon). Teaching includes courses on globalization, urbanization, and ecological change. Research collaborations span Philadelphia’s urban forests to exurban regions in Pennsylvania and Turkey.
His research group examines how social-political factors shape forest conservation and resource utilization, with studies on material and cultural resilience in cities. Grants include funding from TreeVitalize and the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts. Recent work highlights urban foraging’s role in sustainability during crises like the pandemic.
- Awards: Excellence in Teaching (2013), Udall Fellowship (Doctoral), Outstanding Article (2011).
- Grants: TreeVitalize, PA Conservation Districts.
- Labs/Teams: People and Urban Forests Group, Whittaker Research Station.
Dr. Hurley also serves as an Ambassador for Philadelphia’s Circuit Trails network and collaborates with organizations like the Friends of Buford Park. His work bridges academic research with community engagement, fostering sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
