Watching the world navigate acceptance of climate change, the social and economic effects of a global pandemic, and a shifting geopolitical landscape, I am mindful of how interconnected we are. How much we all rely on the same air, the same water, the same earth. As our numbers have grown, we consume more and more of our limited resources, and we compete ever more fiercely for what is left, Environmental, economic, political, ideological, and nationalistic factors can all create pressures that bring about conflict. Resolving conflict, within or between communities, or between countries is a complex problem. Interdisciplinarity provides the space to approach complex problems from multiple perspectives to work towards solutions.

 

I am interested in work that seeks to mediate, understand and resolve conflicts by approaching shared goals and values, particularly environmental ones.  Can our biggest concerns prove to be catalysts for change? As demographics in our country shift, a new generation transitions to leadership, and pressures on societies grow, new approaches to solving persistent problems are needed.

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It is through the process of building relationships that real listening can happen.  Once we can hear what is needed, then we can begin to create the change that is desired.