Joanna Endter-Wada serves as Professor of Natural Resource Policy and Social Science in the Department of Environment and Society at Utah State University. She leads the WaterMAPS™ program and co-directs the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Graduate Certificate Program, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to natural resource governance and human-environment interactions in arid regions. Her educational foundation includes: PhD in Social Ecology from University of California at Irvine MS in Planning from University of California at Irvine Dr. Endter-Wada's research examines water policy frameworks and human dimensions of natural resource use through multiple lenses: Great Salt Lake ecosystem management and policy development Urban landscape water conservation strategies and behavioral drivers Human adaptation to drought and climate change impacts Wetland protection mechanisms in water-scarce environments Social-ecological system interactions in arid landscapes Analysis of her recent publications (2020-2025) reveals intensifying focus on Great Salt Lake policy documentation for legislative action (2023-2025), integration of land-water planning for community health, and innovative water management strategies like banking systems. Her work consistently bridges social science methodologies with practical water conservation applications in western U.S. contexts. No specific scientific awards are documented in the provided materials. Dr. Endter-Wada mentors students through the NEPA Graduate Certificate Program while directing interdisciplinary research initiatives. Her WaterMAPS™ program develops analytical tools for municipal water use assessment, and she co-directs federal policy training that prepares students for environmental regulatory careers. Current projects address water security challenges through stakeholder-engaged approaches across Utah's diverse landscapes. She directs the WaterMAPS™ program which creates software for urban water management analysis and co-directs the NEPA Graduate Certificate Program that trains future environmental policy professionals. These initiatives operate within Utah State University's broader ecosystem of water research centers focused on arid region sustainability.













