Research

  • In the weeds: distinguishing organic farmers who want information about ecological weed management from those who need it

    In the weeds: distinguishing organic farmers who want information about ecological weed management from those who need it

    The benefits of farming organically in the USA are increasingly known; however, organic farmers also encounter considerable risks, especially from weeds. Without herbicides, organic farmers can rely only on crop rotations, mechanical cultivation, manual weeding, beneficial insects and other cultural practices, termed ecological weed management (EWM), to control weeds. Despite promising results and the many… Read more

  • Engaging attribute tradeoffs in clean energy portfolio development

    Engaging attribute tradeoffs in clean energy portfolio development

    Governments and privately-held utilities will have to drastically reduce their carbon emissions to mitigate climate change. Such reductions will require transitioning electrical infrastructure to rely on cleaner fuels and power-generation technologies. Despite the myriad factors influencing both the process and eventual outcome of these transitions, it is typically transitions’ cost and individuals’ willingness to pay… Read more

  • The social, economic and environmental benefits of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in Michigan.

    DISCLAIMER: I’m an applied decision researcher and professor for energy systems at Michigan State University.  My research focuses principally on helping people to identify their values, concerns and objectives and then engage the trade-offs between those values, concerns and objectives and the many options available. The trade-offs between purchasing and operating a conventional gasoline vehicle… Read more

  • Interested in studying energy sustainability? Join me in the Department of Community Sustainability at Michigan State University.

    The Department of Community Sustainability (CSUS) at Michigan State University is an interdisciplinary department addressing contemporary issues of sustainability in agriculture, recreation, natural resources, and the environment. Recently the department expanded that focus to include energy!  Specifically, the department hired an assistant professor of sustainable energy systems.  This person–hint, it’s me!–is tasked with researching sustainable… Read more

  • Ohio Deer Management Plan Stakeholder Engagement Process

    Ohio Deer Management Plan Stakeholder Engagement Process

    The ODNR Division of Wildlife is working with a diverse group of stakeholders to develop a Deer Management Plan that will provide a 10-year framework for managing huntable deer populations based on historical perspectives, stakeholder interests and science-based management. Using a process known as Structured Decision Making (SDM), representatives from stakeholder organizations are helping the… Read more

  • Preferences and perceptions of green infrastructure: Blueprint Columbus

    Preferences and perceptions of green infrastructure: Blueprint Columbus

    In 2015, Columbus, Ohio submitted a Wet Weather Management Plan to the Ohio EPA entitled “Blueprint Columbus,” which would eliminate 28 miles of sanitary sewer overflow tunnels in favor of green infrastructure (GI) improvements including rain gardens. The mayor of Columbus has argued Blueprint Columbus would not only bring the city into EPA compliance, but… Read more