Elizabeth A. Koebele serves as Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, where her research centers on environmental policy with emphasis on collaborative governance, western U.S. water management, and disaster policy. Her methodological expertise combines qualitative and mixed approaches to analyze policy processes and outcomes. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder (2017) M.S. in Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder (2014) B.A. in English Literature, Arizona State University (2010) B.A. in Secondary Education, Arizona State University (2010) Dr. Koebele's research investigates how collaborative policymaking shapes environmental governance, particularly in water resources and disaster contexts. She examines coalition dynamics, narrative power in policy frameworks, and institutional arrangements enabling adaptive responses to climate challenges. Her work bridges political science with environmental studies through rigorous mixed-methods analysis. Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent focus on polycentric governance systems, especially in western U.S. water basins. Key trends include studying collaborative forums in the Colorado River Basin, urban water management transitions in cities like Miami and Las Vegas, and the interplay between narrative strategies and policy change. Her scholarship increasingly integrates climate adaptation with equity considerations in resource governance. Her notable recognitions include: 2021 NSF CAREER award for Colorado River water governance research 2022 NSHE Board of Regents Rising Researcher award Dr. Koebele has secured significant external funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Agriculture. As Director of Graduate Studies, she oversees the Political Science department's graduate program while maintaining an active research group focused on environmental governance. Her editorial role as co-editor of Policy & Politics further demonstrates her leadership in the field.
