Michael Drescher is an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo, with an affiliation to the Vincent and Elinor Ostrom Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis at Indiana University. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Resource Conservation from Wageningen University (2003) and an MSc in Ecology from Utrecht University (1998). His research focuses on environmental conservation, socio-economic dynamics, and climate change adaptation, with a particular emphasis on private landowner behavior, urban ecosystems, and green infrastructure. Key research grants include the 'Residential Development Impact Scorecard for the Environment' (RISE) as Project Director, and studies on barriers to adopting environmental best practices in Ontario agriculture. He has secured funding from agencies like SSHRC, Mitacs, and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture. His awards include a NOW-WOTRO Dissertation Fellowship (2003) and a Marie Curie Graduate Fellowship (2003). Drescher teaches courses such as Landscape Ecology, Canadian Environmental Policy, and Rural Development Planning. His work bridges ecological science, policy, and community engagement to address complex environmental challenges.
