Dr. Joanna Endter-Wada is a Professor of Natural Resource Policy and Social Science in the Department of Environment and Society, Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University. The overarching objective of her scholarship is to produce policy-relevant science and to promote science-based policy. Her professional goals have been to: integrate policy and social science contributions into the science and management of natural resources; diversify perspectives used to understand human-environment interactions; and, work at the interface of natural resource science and policy to promote a more equitable and sustainable future.

She has contributed in varied and creative ways to scholarly endeavors around the theme of analyzing, disseminating, and implementing policies that protect the natural environment but facilitate human use, with a focus on water, fish and forests. She is currently conducting research on human dimensions of drought and climate change, urban landscape water use and conservation, and wetland water issues. She is the Director of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Graduate Certificate Program. During her professional career, Dr. Endter-Wada has been involved in activities related to interdisciplinary science, translation of science to the general public, and public policy engagement.