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Research Areas

  • Decision support, innovation, information & technology

Alex, Anita, John, LeRoy, Lisa, Paul, Russ, Spencer, Tea

Our research aims to identify decision-making processes for varied or diverse organizational contexts that promote integrative and inclusive innovation, as well as improve such processes in communities through novel practices, structures, and approaches. We study how the various configurations of information, technological capabilities, and expertise within systems give rise to innovative products, services, and policies.

 

  • Coupled human-natural systems, human-centered systems, disciplinary convergence

– Alex, Catherine, Crystal, Jeff, John, LeRoy, Lisa, Paul, Tea

We study the dynamic interactions between humans (e.g., along economic, social, political, cognitive dimensions) and environments (both natural systems and engineered systems) to better understand complex processes, feedbacks, and trajectories to inform resilient policy strategies and applied management outcomes. Our human-centered systems approach encompasses a variety of methods, such as simulations, scenario planning, modeling, optimization, interviews and observations, aimed at developing integrative solutions for complex problems.

 

  • People at work and human interaction

– Alex, Anita, Paul, Roger, Russ, Spencer, Tea

We explore the ways in which people work together to create mutual value in individual, group, organizational, and institutional contexts. We aim to better understand the nature of teams, organizations, and institutions, and support behavioral and collaborative processes in diverse settings. Our research results in recommendations for managerial practices, organizational structure, technology development and implementation, policy recommendations, and new methods for understanding the modern complexities of people at work.

 

  • Climate solutions & risks, environmental systems & services, sustainability & resilience

Catherine, Crystal, Jeff, John, LeRoy, Roger, Tracey

We approach climate risks through the lens of systems thinking, taking into account the uneven exposures and systemic vulnerabilities to people and ecosystems, to develop and envision more resilient and sustainable policy solutions and management outcomes.

 

  • Cross-cutting themes:

We embrace the convergence of varied yet integrated approaches to problem-solving.

We address real-world problems that exist at the intersections of social, environmental and economic systems.

We seek innovative solutions that embrace our values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.