My research explores the human dimensions of sustainable resource management, with a primary focus on the Food-Energy-Water (FEW) Nexus and the social acceptance of renewable energy technologies, particularly agrivoltaics. I examine how communities navigate the trade-offs between technical optimization and social reality, specifically focusing on the intersection of agricultural preservation and energy transitions in rural landscapes. Additionally, my scholarship investigates pedagogical innovations in sustainability education. I focus on immersive, experiential learning strategies that foster systems thinking and civic engagement across STEM and non-STEM disciplines. My work aims to bridge the gap between engineering solutions and public policy through interdisciplinary collaboration and community-engaged scholarship.
keywords
Agrivoltaics PFAS and Agriculture Food-Energy-Water (FEW) Nexus Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy Environmental Pedagogy Participatory Research Experiential Learning
Teaching
courses taught
ENVS 1000 - Introduction to Environmental Studies
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 / Summer 2025 / Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
This course provides students with an introduction to natural science topics and skill sets necessary to address multi-dimensional human-environment interactions. Students will survey biological and physical science aspects of environmental change, examining ecological, biological, chemical, and technological factors that influence the quality of life on Earth. The focus of the class is on developing a stronger science-based understanding of Earth�s environmental systems and how they are altered by human activity. Required for ENVS majors.
ENVS 2000 - Applied Ecology for Environmental Studies
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2025 / Spring 2026
Covers how ecological ideas and principles underlie both the problems and solutions of multiple environmental issues. Ecology of environmental concerns ranging from endangered species to global carbon cycling will be reviewed, including perspectives from physiological, behavioral, population, community and ecosystem ecology. Fulfills intermediate natural science requirement for Environmental Studies major. Recommended prerequisites: ENVS 1000 and a course in introductory statistics and two courses in introductory biology or physical geography.
ENVS 3030 - Topics in Environmental Social Sciences
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 / Spring 2026
Covers a variety of topics that may include human ecology, environment and society, and quantitative environmental social science. Offered depending upon instructor availability and student demand. Fulfills intermediate social science requirement for Environmental Studies major. Recommended prerequisite: ENVS 1000. Not repeatable for credit.
ENVS 3621 - Energy Policy and Society
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024 / Summer 2025 / Fall 2025
Examines how society makes decisions about energy, and how these decisions affect the environment and the economy. Uses tools from policy analysis, economics, and other disciplines to build an in-depth understanding of energy's role in U.S. contemporary society. Fulfills Cornerstone requirement of ENVS majors. Recommended prerequisites: ENVS 1000 and ENVS 3070 or PHYS 3070.
