I am a graduate student pursuing a PhD in the Cognitive Psychology Program with a minor focus in Evolutionary Psychology and Renewable and Natural Resources. Specific focal areas are moderators of pro (and anti) environmental behavior (PEB), evolutionary explanations for this behavior, dissonance and hypocrisy correlates, how beliefs and values mediate PEB, and community conservation efforts.  Furthermore, an interdisciplinary and integrative approach is necessary given the large scale and complexity of environmental tribulations.  To facilitate this approach, I am collaborating with conservation biologists, evolutionary and social psychologists, environmentalists, policymakers and educators – all with the realization that one camp cannot derive the entire answer to solving environmental dilemmas. Cross-talk must ensue for progressive solutions.   My passions lie with nature and the environment and I have serious concerns regarding the future with respect to our dwindling resources, over-population, species extinction, ecosystem(s) destruction, global climate change; anything and everything that has to do with the ominous situation the earth and life is currently in. Our current, worldwide environmental problems are a direct result of human behavior and ideologies. Hence, it is necessary to critically study human behavior systematically, utilizing scientific methods in order to learn the fundamental mechanisms that account for these behavior patterns. Currently, I am accomplishing a thorough literature review. Targeted research areas include identified moderators of PEB behavior, life history strategy, decision-making, game-theory, value instillation and Social Contract Theory.  I am further postulating possible evolutionary explanations for these behaviors and how and why they influence PEB. Most researchers studying PEB have introduced models that share many “constructs”. These models and research are all important, however, these models have not been reduced to the degree necessary to adequately identify primary processes and furthermore, these models cannot be "applied" necessarily. Therefore, my goal is to strengthen current psychological PEB models (or develop more explanatory ones if necessary) via the inclusion of evolutionary theory to better explain environmental behavior. Current endeavors attempting to change behavior toward conservation and sustainability are not as successful as they could or need to be. Learning more about how evolution has programmed man and further working with these innate tendencies may be the answer to saving our environments and changing the human/nature relationship for a sustainable future. Using scientific methodologies to derive new, EFFECTIVE mediums is necessary if a paradigm shift is to occur. This information should be used progressively to develop large-scale programs to educate people, better explain why our behavior is destructive, and determine ways to work with our evolutionary machinery to safeguard our remaining resources while still allowing the quality of life we are accustomed to. From what I have researched so far, I believe this is possible. Please take time to peruse the "Career Goals" link for a more in depth overview of my goals and how psychological science is necessary in this domain.   There is a movement to term this area in psychology called "Conservation Psychology".  If you are still unclear about this area of environmental psychology, please read over the Population and Environmental Bulletin, which discusses in some detail this emerging and much needed sub-discipline of psychology.   The inclusion of evolutionary explanations of human behavior is gaining steady momentum.  I am not aware of anyone within the "environmental" domain using the strategy put forth above to explain conservation behavior.  Evolutionary psychology is pressing its way into many domains, however.  Visit the Human Behavior and Evolution website to learn more information about this exciting field.   Curriculum Vitae Back

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