About Me:
I'm an associate professor at Lehigh University with a joint appointment between the Department of Sociology & Anthropology and Lehigh's Environmental Initiative. My research focuses on policy implications of how human cognition and the cultural distribution of information shape our interaction with non-human environments. My research topics include pyscho-social impacts of shale gas development in Pennsylvania, flood recovery and mitigation policy, Tzeltal Maya medicinal plants, ecological restoration in urban areas, and Southwest US water policy. I'm an environmental activist. I worked as a policy analyst for the state of Connecticut for 10 years before changing careers by obtaining a masters degree in ecology and policy and a PhD in environmental anthropology. I also was a professional musician (piano & saxophone) for many years. I'm an avid birder, botanist, herbalist and gardener. I live on an 8 acre homestead in rural Pennsylvania.
Area(s) of Training
cultural anthropology, ethnography, other
Area(s) of Expertise
Environmental anthropology policy disaster extraction
Current Area of Employment
Associate Professor
