Social Sciences

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Kathleen E. Halvorsen Associate Professor of Natural Resource Policy Ph.D., University of Washington, 1996 Department of Social Sciences and School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Office Location: 225 Academic Office Bldg Office Phone: 906.487.2824 Fax: 906.487.2468 Skype: kehalvor Email: kehalvor@mtu.edu 2009 Curriculum Vitae Environmental Policy Graduate Program

I have a joint appointment with the Department of Social Sciences and the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. As part of the Environmental Policy Program, I teach the Sociology of the Environment, which presents the societal dimensions of environmental concerns and natural resource management.

I currently have two main research foci.  One is relates to the development of woody bioenergy in the United States.  This includes identification of barriers and opportunities related to this development. I view bioenergy as one important tool in our climate change mitigation toolbox. This work also links to public understandings of climate change causes and solutions.     My other main research focus is aimed at understanding relationships to water resources in the U.S. and Mexico.  This includes risk perceptions of water-borne disease and ecosystem service protection.  Over the years, I have also studied public participation and organizational change within the USDA Forest Service.

I have advised and supervised graduate students pursuing projects and theses related to bioenergy, wetland regulation, watershed groups, community forestry, risk perceptions, citizen participation in local land use planning, and Forest Service forest plan revision across four continents.  Most have been in the Environmental Policy or School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences programs.  However, I have also worked intensively with and/or co-advised students in Biological Sciences and Environmental,, Geological, Chemical, and Mechanical Engineering.  I have have co-authored research articles with many graduate and undergraduate students.

I greatly enjoy advising and is always looking for enthusiastic students interested in combining policy, sociology, and environment.

On a more personal level, I am a passionate cook, berry picker, and organic gardener who enjoys sharing her garden bounty. I am also working hard to master Spanish.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Great Lakes Onsite Sewage System Regulatory Programs
Kathleen E. Halvorsen, Hugh S. Gorman, and Kristine Bradof August 2004. PDF Format

   Our Michigan Watershed Group Research Team:                  Michigan Watershed Group Research Project Poster

    Alex S. Mayer, Gerald K. Greer, Julia A. Kalloz,                                             by Julia A. Kalloz                  

    and Kathleen E. Halvorsen on downtown

    Houghton waterfront (Photo by Laura Smith)