Dr. Karen Bailey is an environmental social scientist interested in human-environment interactions, climate change, and sustainable rural livelihoods. She combines social science research with environmental and ecological data to understand feedbacks between communities and their environments, how we can build resilience to climate change, and how to support landscapes that meet human needs and sustainability goals. She also has an emphasis on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in environmental fields and STEM more broadly and is committed to research that supports, amplifies and engages the most vulnerable among us. Her current projects focus on climate adaptation in southern Africa, human health and well-being in east Africa, barriers to entry in natural resource fields, just and equitable climate change research, and drought and flood adaptation through an equity and justice lens.
ENVS 1000 - Introduction to Environmental Studies
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Fall 2020 / Summer 2021 / Fall 2021 / Summer 2022 / Spring 2023 / Summer 2023 / Spring 2024 / Summer 2024
This course provides students with an introduction to natural science topics and skill sets necessary to address multi-dimensional human-environment interactions. Students will survey biological and physical science aspects of environmental change, examining ecological, biological, chemical, and technological factors that influence the quality of life on Earth. The focus of the class is on developing a stronger science-based understanding of Earth�s environmental systems and how they are altered by human activity. Required for ENVS majors.
ENVS 4800 - Capstone: Critical Thinking in Environmental Studies
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023
Examines a specific environmental topic in depth, synthesizing information from complex and controversial issues. Different course sections present different topics. Fulfills capstone requirement for Environmental Studies major. Recommended prerequisites: ENVS 1000 and ENVS 3020.
ENVS 4850 - ENVS Honors Thesis Research
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Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
To be taken in final academic year prior to graduation. Consists of honors research and thesis preparation under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Department enforced restriction: Requires a minimum 3.3 GPA and a declared ENVS major and approval by departmental honors committee.
ENVS 5100 - Special Topics in Environmental Studies
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Spring 2021 / Fall 2023
A variety of topics not currently offered in curriculum; offered depending on instructor availability and student demand. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours, provided the topics vary.
