Philosophy investigates our world at its most fundamental.
As a philosopher, I work primarily to understand arguments—deconstructing the reasons and justifications for human action. I work specifically in environmental ethics, investigating moral obligations and conservation ethics. Recent projects have concerned climate change, species conservation, restoration, wildness, and the protection of non-living nature.
I came to the Institute for Culture and Environment at APU from Colorado, where I was a master’s student, then Ph.D. student, then Lecturer at CU-Boulder, and where I also found the joy of teaching.
My journey to academic philosophy started somewhat by accident. I was an undergraduate earth sciences student at Dartmouth College and decided to take a philosophy of science class. I was immediately hooked and began choosing philosophy courses as all of my electives. Senior year, I realized I had accidentally pick-up a second major in philosophy. I love asking hard questions that do not have clear answers.
Seeking to combine my interest in natural science with philosophical investigation, I headed to the environmental studies program at the University of Colorado, Boulder. At some point along the way, I also fell in love with Alaska, working summers as a naturalist in Denali National Park and exploring the mountains. Skiing, climbing, and wondering in the wilderness gave me a laboratory for thinking. I used experiences with nature to inform philosophical writing and research.
I am thrilled to be apart of the community at APU – finding a way to pursue a passion for teaching and a love for Alaska.
Today I teach courses at APU in ethics, critical thinking, environmental philosophy, the philosophy of science and technology, and environmental policy. I hope my classes foster inquiry and builds a foundation for a diverse set of problem solving pursuits.
I am also currently the acting secretary of the International Society of Environmental Ethics (ISEE – www.enviroethics.org) and member of an environmental theory research group called the Committee on Environmental Thought (ComET – www.EnvironmentalThought.com).
- A.B. Philosophy and Environmental Earth Science, Dartmouth College
- M.S. Environmental Studies, University of Colorado, Boulder
- Ph.D. Environmental Theory and Values (emphasis in Environmental Philosophy), University of Colorado, Boulder
