Natural Resource Management

Nargis Mirzaie studies the impacts of climate extremes—particularly droughts and floods—on communities and water systems. Her research focuses on understanding hydrological changes, improving drought assessment tools, and promoting equity in climate adaptation and water resource planning.

Karam Sheban supports agroforestry adoption through targeted science that builds toward effective policy, viable economies, and cultural revitalization. He sees his work as part of a larger reimagining of our agricultural and forested landscapes for a more just and equitable world.

Maya Caine is a slow fashion entrepreneur focused on designing life-affirming systems that prioritize longevity, circularity, and justice. With a background in corporate strategy and systems thinking, she has spent the past seven years building slow and circular fashion solutions that challenge the industry’s dependence on overproduction and waste.

Ataya (Ute, Assiniboine, Lakota) examines the complex and contradictory relationships between oil and gas development, tribal sovereignty, and environmental justice on the northern Ute reservation.

Landry strives to integrate environmental justice principles with ecological stewardship and foster connection through food and forestry.

Fen is an avian ecologist unraveling how forested landscapes can jointly support ecosystems and human need, specifically in the North Woods of Maine.

Alejandra is a transnational emerging scholar cross-pollinating Indigenous ways of knowing, agroecology, and ecological economics to conserve stingless honeybees.

Natalie explores policies related to natural climate solutions, adaptation, the Arctic, the politics of renewable energy siting, and the role that nonprofits play in the just energy transition.

In an increasingly urbanizing world, Sebastian aims for his work to increase science and nature accessibility for historically marginalized and excluded communities, which will ultimately help in the conservation of our natural environment.