Rebecca D. Hardin

Rebecca D. Hardin is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), specializing in environmental justice, conservation, and restoration. Her work bridges disciplines like engineering, ecology, and epidemiology to advance inclusive innovation and collaborative research in regions such as South Africa, France, Ethiopia, Kenya, Gabon, the U.S., and Canada. She co-founded the open-source educational platform Gala, focusing on community-driven content and sustainable solutions.

Education

• PhD in Cross-Subfield Anthropology (Biological and Cultural), Yale University
• MPhil in History and Anthropology, Yale University
• BA in Literary and Social Theory, Brown University

Research Interests

Hardin's research integrates environmental justice with sustainability education, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. She explores climate change impacts, digital equity, and socio-ecological systems through case-based teaching methodologies. Her projects often address marginalized communities, resource governance, and the ethical dimensions of environmental decision-making.

Grants and Projects

• Co-PI on NSF Emerging Frontiers in Research Innovation grant (2021) for solar-powered ammonia synthesis
• Co-PI on Detroit River Story Lab Project ($300k, 2021)
• Co-PI on NSF INFEWS grant ($3 million, 2017-20) for nutrient-energy-water cycle research
• Co-PI on University of Michigan's $1.7 million Transforming Learning grant (2016-20) for multilingual case-based learning platforms

Labs and Teams

She leads the Detroit River Story Lab and co-founded the Gala platform, enabling global case-based learning. Her work connects academic research with community action, particularly in regions affected by environmental and social challenges.