My research focuses on the human dimensions of global environmental change; it is applied, empirical, field-based, participatory, and transdisciplinary. Today, I am fortunate to conduct research on large science teams and in collaboration with diverse communities, nongovernmental and civil society organizations, and government agency officials. The majority of my scholarship is based on principles of risk and their application to negative impacts from global environmental change. I work to advance knowledge about "nature crimes" including wildlife trafficking, illegal fishing, and illegal logging. In particular, I am curious about the socio-environmental causes and consequences of nature crimes and how crime prevention strategies can be designed and implemented for positive socio-environmental benefit. I received my PhD in Natural Resource Policy and Management from Cornell University, MA in Environment and Resource Policy from George Washington University, and BA in Anthropology and Environmental Studies from Brandeis University. From 2006-2020, I served on the faculty at Michigan State University. I am a National Academies of Sciences Jefferson Science Fellow and US Department of State Embassy Science Fellow. I serve on the board of the American Geographical Society and Explorers Club Washington Group.
