About

I am fascinated by the urban environment and the opportunities it offers for environmental education and community-based environmental stewardship. I grew up in Siberia and the Caucasus, Russia and did my undergraduate work at Tomsk State University majoring in environmental science. In 2006 I completed my Master's degree and now I am working on my PhD at Cornell University.

My current research focuses on outcomes of urban environmental education such as sense of place. I use surveys and narrative inquiry to collect data in community-based organizations in the Bronx, New York City. These organizations are trying to reconnect inner-city youth and other residents with the urban natural environment, and contribute to youth development through environmental stewardship, recreation, monitoring, and other activities.

To learn more, visit my research website: www.UrbanEE.org and blog www.UrbanEE.wordpress.com

Research Interests

• Urban environmental education
• Community-based and participatory research
• Environmental stewardship, pro-environmental behavior
• Environmental psychology, sense of place, social capital
• Urban environment, green infrastructure, ecosystem services
• Social-ecological systems, innovations, resilience

Contact

Department of Natural Resources
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853