Ryan Stock

Dr. Ryan Stock is an Assistant Professor in the Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences department at Northern Michigan University, where he began teaching in 2019. He is also the Director of the Illume Lab, a globally active research group. His work integrates energy geography, political ecology, and feminist theory to study renewable energy transitions and climate justice, particularly in the Global South.

Education:

• B.S., University of Utah
• M.S., University of Michigan
• Ph.D., University of Illinois

Research Interests:

Dr. Stock’s research is grounded in energy geography and political ecology, with a strong emphasis on environmental justice and feminist geography. His work investigates the social and environmental impacts of renewable energy transitions, especially solar energy, across India, Ghana, Turkey, and the U.S. He employs mixed methods with a focus on qualitative fieldwork and intersectional analysis.

His current research themes include:

• Antiracist and abolitionist solar interventions in the U.S.
• Environmental injustices of solar electronic waste in India
• Gendered livelihoods and food security in Ghana
• Land and energy dispossessions in India
• Climate justice and farmer vulnerability
• Biopolitics and racializing assemblages in U.S. precision agriculture

Publication Trends:

Dr. Stock’s recent publications (2023–2025) reflect a consistent focus on energy justice, gendered injustices, and decolonial approaches to solar energy development. His work spans interdisciplinary methodologies and Global South case studies, with a strong emphasis on policy critique and community engagement.

Scientific Awards & Honors:

• Faculty Emerging Leadership Award – Northern Michigan University
• Fulbright Scholar
• Peace Corps Volunteer

Advising & Grants:

Dr. Stock mentors students through Master’s theses, PhD dissertations, McNair Scholars, and Freshman Fellows. He is involved in:

• Faculty mentor for student research groups
• Chair, AAG Energy and Environment Specialty Group
• Member, AAG JEDI Committee
• Member, NMU Sustainability Advisory Council
• Secretary, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program Committee

Labs & Teams:

Dr. Stock directs the Illume Lab, a research collective at NMU focused on sustainable energy futures and environmental justice. The lab collaborates with scholars and students globally and engages in community-based participatory research.