Since 2007 I have taught in the Public Policy and Environmental Studies programs at Mills College, now part of Northeastern University. My research focuses on social and environmental policy problems in the United States and China, often using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) methods.
Research interests
Climate change and land resources in China
My research in this area bridges the natural and social sciences, examining the spatial distributions of causes and effects of climate change in China in collaboration with researchers at Northeast Forestry University in Harbin.
Spatial analysis and digital cartography
A picture is said to be worth 10,000 words; a good map can make your entire argument. I apply GIS analytic, data management, and visualization techniques to test spatial hypotheses and convey findings with culturally informed, accessible cartography.
Social and political structures in China
My work in this area aims to demonstrate the utility of spatial analytic methods to test hypotheses about the structure of markets and agrarian societies, most notably, G. William Skinner’s hierarchical regional space or “macroregions” model.
Pedagogy in Public Policy and Environmental Studies
I have contributed to the pedagogical literature in journals such as Teaching Public Administration, the Journal of Regional Science, Education About Asia, and Global Environmental Politics.