I was born and raised in Alaska, adjacent to the second largest state park in the United States. As a result, I’ve always been curious about the connection between humans and forests. 

I research environmental attitudes and behaviors towards forests, forestry, and other natural resource management topics using a social psychology and communication approach. I tend to study five human populations: rural community residents, natural resource managers, landowners, outdoor recreationists, and the “general public.” 

My research program encompasses rural prosperity; landowner decision-making processes; the role of social capital and trust in public involvement, participation, and citizen science; and influence of media and educational campaigns on attitudes and behavior.