My research interests include the following, in no particular order:

Ethnoecology Cognitive Anthropology Cultural Models Environment/Ecology Biodiversity Conservation Community-Based Conservation

Computer Modeling/Statistics Ecotourism Conservation Groups Identity Madagascar United States

My core interest is understanding how humans interpret their environment and how their interpretations may influence their practices. In short, I have focused on the ethnoecology of agricultural development. I use both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore how cultural models vary within and between groups. Specifically, my ethnoecological ethnography has been applied to assisting the transition from swidden to irrigated agriculture in Madagascar. This ethnography complements the attention that the Malagasy government has given to the political, agricultural and ecological aspects of this transition. In sum, my research interests are at once theoretical, methodological, and applied.

My dissertation research was a collaborative effort (partnered with the Malagasy government and both national and international NGOs) to evaluate agricultural change in the eastern Madagascar province of Toamasina. To understand the cultural aspects of changing agricultural practices, I compared three sample populations that include a small town, a village and scattered communities, which all had differing relationships with conservation organizations. The hypothesis examined in my dissertation was whether the information conservation organizations are giving to the local populations on non-indigenous agricultural practices is displacing knowledge of indigenous agricultural practices.

My future research plans are twofold. First, I plan to continue my applied research in Madagascar. While my dissertation has described how three small populations vary in their knowledge of swidden agriculture, the Malagasy government and development organizations require data across several regions of Madagascar to base their programs. While I have a good understanding of the variation of knowledge within my dissertation research site, I need to explore how the variation compares with other nearby groups. Second, I have begun an internet project on risk taking and environmental concern among Americans. This project is useful as a teaching tool, as students trained in and conducting ethnographic interviews may then interpret large sample sets collected on the internet.