Amy Freitag

I have a passion for figuring out how knowledge is created and how different forms of knowledge production might bring innovation to persistent environmental issues. My motivations behind this line of research are a commitment to optimism and a search for solutions. My work thus far focuses on coastal communities around the world, addressing questions of community and environmental sustainability as well as the connections between these two.

Some of my past work investigated how incorporating a diverse array of knowledge types – fishermen, policymakers, and scientists – into conservation research and planning might lead to scientific innovation and policy connections, specifically for water quality. Other large projects focused on finding out how citizen science might help out or strengthen marine protected area management and developed indicators to incorporate the human dimensions into monitoring efforts for ecosystem-based management.

I work to develop ways for collaborative research to take place, finding methods to highlight underrepresented voices, and move past the ‘doom and gloom’ of many environmental narratives to find mutually beneficial solutions while protecting coastal communities. Currently, I work with NOAA’s social science team to bring the human dimensions to their work around the country and better understand how our coastal communities can remain resilient in the face of climate change, a global fishing economy, and shifting demographics.

I consider myself a modern academic, and therefore currently wear several hats. I’ve organized my website to reflect how you might want to get to know me. For human dimensions of marine spaces, it’s my research hat. For others, it might be teaching or facilitating. Feel free to contact me with any questions or freelancing inquiries! I always enjoy meeting new people.