Scott Odell

Scott Odell is an Assistant Research Professor of Geography at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a Program Scientist in the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative (ESI). He leads the Program on Mining and the Circular Economy, focusing on environmental justice challenges related to critical mineral mining for the clean energy transition. His research examines intersections of climate change, development, and resource extraction, with active projects in Latin America, the continental U.S., and the Arctic.

Scott holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from Clark University's Graduate School of Geography and a B.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University. He has held prior roles including Postdoctoral Associate at MIT ESI, Resident Tutor at Harvard University, and Program Associate at the Inter-American Dialogue. His teaching includes courses on environmental justice, sustainability, and climate change.

His work has been supported by the Sloan Foundation, National Science Foundation, MIT J-WAFS, and others. Scott is based in Washington, D.C., and engages in outdoor activities and music.