My work explore the intersection of ecological regeneration, social well-being, and human development – and their importance in times of change.
As Director of the Pathways to Planetary Health initiative at the Garrison Institute, I convene scientists, contemplative leaders, policymakers, and practitioners to strengthen our collective capacity for compassion, resilience, and systemic change. We apply science – along with the skills and wisdom cultivated through contemplative practice – to respond to planetary challenges.
Over the past two decades, I’ve worked across sectors to build understanding of how human and ecological systems are deeply interconnected. This has included advising funders and governments, consulting with global companies on how they depend on and impact nature, and co-authoring more than 50 publications on biodiversity, environmental policy, economics, and systems change. My work has appeared in journals like Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, and Sustainability Science, as well as outlets like the New York Times, The Hill, and Bloomberg Law.
Prior to my current role, I served as Director of Policy and Partnerships with the Gund Institute for Environment. In this position within the Office of Research at the University of Vermont, I helped launch a new university-wide research focus on environmental justice and co-led the Vermont Climate Assessment—contributing to a new Federal Center of Excellence for climate impact analysis.
I’m based in the epic-yet-friendly Green Mountains of Vermont. I received a B.S. in astrophysics, studied science education at Stanford, earned a Ph.D. in natural resources and ecological economics, and have had a lifelong relationship with nature-based contemplative practice. Outside of work, I love mountains, time with family, and homegrown food.
