The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) is interdisciplinary. We integrate knowledge gained from the natural and social sciences to develop holistic perspectives on environmental and natural resources management problems. Research conducted at the NRI may have an economic, social, or ecological perspective, or may integrate all three disciplines.
The NRI also encourages a diverse culture that respects differences and similarities among nationalities and academic backgrounds. Students and faculty are from all over the world, and it is typical to hear a number of different languages in the hallways.
The NRI does not have undergraduates, but we regularly partner with other departments, such as Environment and Geography, to include undergraduates in some courses and to integrate undergraduates into field research.
Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NRI 7222)
The human dimensions of Natural Resources and Environmental Management will be considered through the following thematic units: definitions, history, and paradigms of management; intersection of science with politics, actors, groups and participatory processes; Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), communications and environmental perception; institutions, common theory and adaptive co-management.
Environmental Justice and Ecosystem Health (NRI 7340)
Explores Ecosystem health and environmental justice issues to realize both the possibilities and barriers to sustainability. Risk, resource distribution and power/decision-making are analyzed across race, gender and class differences. Diverse views, theories and methods on community health consider well-being, quality of life, vulnerability and ecological integrity.
Sustainable Livelihoods, Food Resources and Community Food Security (NRI 7370)
About one third of a household’s total environmental impact is related to food considering all the effects of livestock, agriculture and the food industry on water, soil and air, the overuse of fish resources, transport and packaging waste. This course analyzes sustainable livelihoods and food security/sovereignty in the food system (production, processing, marketing, etc.).