Kathy Halvorsen

- Associate Vice President for Research Development
- University Professor of Natural Resource Policy
- Joint Appointment in Social Sciences and CFRES
- PhD, Forest Resource Management, University of Washington
- MS, Environmental Science, State University of New York
- BS, Political Economy of Natural Resources, University of California at Berkeley
Natural Resource Policy
While I am currently Associate Vice President for Research Development, I also have a joint faculty appointment with the Department of Social Sciences and the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science.
I have two main research foci: indigeneity and environmental stewardship and socio-technological system transitions toward climate change mitigation and adaptation. I lead a new National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence project entitled “GCR: Collaborative Research: Socio-Technological System Transitions: Michigan Community & Anishinaabe Renewable Energy Systems (MICARES)” that focuses on Michigan Tribal Nation and rural community renewable energy adoption. This transdisciplinary project includes universities, non-governmental organizations, Tribal Nations, and policy makers across Michigan. I am also part of NSF Navigating the New Arctic funded research teams focusing on the socioecological impacts of coastal permafrost thawing in coastal Alaska. These projects are “Convergence NNA: Coordinate a Transdisciplinary Research Network to Identify Challenges of and Solutions to Permafrost Coastal Erosion and Its Socioecological Impacts in the Arctic (NNA PCE)” and “NNA Track 1: Pursuing Opportunities for Long-term Arctic Resilience for Infrastructure and Society (POLARIS).”
On a more personal level, I love to spend time searching for cool rocks and mushrooms, hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, knitting, and spending time with my dogs.
Areas of Expertise
- Climate change mitigation policy
- Arctic climate change impacts
- Energy conservation policy
- Renewable energy policy
- Indigeneity and climate policy