Cultural landscapes are dynamic expressions of human-nature coupled systems, where ecological processes and human activities have co-evolved over time. I study sustainable conservation strategies that recognize this interdependence, specifically how relational values play a key role in climate resilience decision-making especially as a link between instrumental and intrinsic values as defined by socio-ecological perspectives from the Millennium Assessment. I additionally investigate the gaps between resilience and cultural landscape theory and its impact in resilience framework development.

I explore the integration of traditional knowledge, engineering innovations, and policy frameworks to strengthen coastal communities against climate hazards. My specific emphasis is on coastal climate resilience including how coastal communities and ecosystems can adapt to and recover from climate hazards. Current climate hazard focuses include rising sea levels, saltwater marsh migration, stormwater induced flooding and dune blowout and rebuild capacity. Anthropogenic hazards exacerbate these climate hazards and in my research, I am investigating the combined impacts of both, specifically with development pressures and the aforementioned climate hazards in marginalized communities both culturally and rural.

Through the lens of rapid ethnography, I research the qualitative methods that are needed to effectively engage and collaborate with communities on climate resilience and heritage issues. Foundationally, I use principles of care and stewardship for methods such as focus groups, interviews, and participatory mapping. I advocate that climate resilience assessments must have CBPR methodologies at the forefront and throughout the assessment design to promote a co-created and co-produced assessment methodology. Inclusion of CBPR aids in accurately depicting what is most significant to communities within their landscapes and the hazards they face.