Sustainability Leadership Fellow Cohort: 2026-2027

Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Journalism & Media Communication

Research Summary: My research explores how communication can motivate people to make choices that are better for wildlife and the environment. I study what kinds of messages actually change behavior—whether that’s how people see themselves, the places they love, or the emotions a message evokes. Currently, I am co-leading a project testing whether targeted messaging can encourage boaters to slow down and avoid hitting sea turtles. I have also worked with Colorado communities to develop air quality communications. My long-term goal is to use human-centered communication to reduce conflict between people and wildlife as our outdoor spaces grow more crowded.

Advisor: Katie Abrams