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In the ever-evolving landscape of environmental studies, interdisciplinary research plays a pivotal role in understanding and addressing complex challenges. Dr. Kate Sherren, a researcher at the School of Resource and Environmental Studies (SRES), embodies this interdisciplinary approach in her ground-breaking work. With a focus on human-environment interactions and adaptation to change, Dr. Sherren explores the dynamic relationship between society and the environment, shedding light on innovative solutions for sustainability.

One of the key themes in Dr. Sherren’s research is the concept of psychological time travel, a phenomenon deeply rooted in psychology but with profound implications for environmental behavior and decision-making. Dr. Sherren uncovers valuable insights into motivation and resilience by investigating how individuals perceive and adapt to environmental changes over time. She explains how reframing perspectives on incremental progress can empower individuals or communities facing the impacts of climate change. This reframing helps individuals and communities to see the bigger picture of their progress and challenges, enabling them to maintain motivation and continue pushing forward despite setbacks.

Dr. Sherren's research extends beyond the individual level to encompass broader societal and ecological dynamics. In her study of landscapes transformed by human activity, such as the flooding of areas for dam construction, she delves into the concept of ecological succession. Drawing parallels between ecological processes and human perceptions of landscape change, Dr. Sherren challenges conventional notions of stability and highlights the need for adaptive management strategies in the face of environmental disruptions. She uses the term "climax thinking" to describe the flawed belief that current landscapes are the ultimate, intended state, rather than one of many possible states in a constantly changing environment. "What we put in place is going to have lasting impact," she explains, noting the importance of recognizing that current landscapes might be exacerbating today's problems rather than solving them.

Her interdisciplinary approach is evident in her collaboration with colleagues across fields such as ecology, policy, and psychology. At SRES, where interdisciplinary collaboration is not just encouraged but ingrained in the culture, Dr. Sherren finds a supportive community of scholars who share her passion for tackling complex environmental issues. Through these collaborations, she leverages diverse perspectives to develop innovative solutions and foster meaningful change. This collaborative spirit is a hallmark of SRES, enabling researchers to tackle multifaceted problems from multiple angles. "Interdisciplinary colleagues, feel like kindred spirits in that curiosity has taken them, to follow more idiosyncratic paths," she notes, emphasizing the unique environment at SRES.

Beyond her research, Dr. Sherren is deeply committed to mentorship and education. As a faculty member at SRES, she engages with graduate students, nurturing their curiosity and guiding them through their academic journey. Through hands-on research experiences and collaborative projects, she empowers students to become critical thinkers and agents of change in their own right. "My favorite thing that I do is work with graduate students," she shares, highlighting the rich collaborative experience and the importance of providing students with opportunities for growth.

For students pursuing careers in sustainability and environmental fields, SRES offers a unique learning environment that combines academic rigor with real-world relevance. The intimate class sizes and personalized mentorship at SRES provide students with unparalleled opportunities for growth and development. Whether they are interested in policy, conservation, or community engagement, SRES equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in their chosen field. "When I'm talking to students about which program to do, I ask them about how, they like to learn," Dr. Sherren explains, underscoring the personalized approach to education at SRES with the thesis and course based programs.

Furthermore, SRES boasts a strong alumni network, with graduates occupying influential positions in government, NGOs, and academia. The connections forged at SRES extend far beyond graduation, offering students access to a supportive community of professionals who share their commitment to environmental stewardship. This network not only provides career opportunities but also fosters a sense of belonging and ongoing collaboration among graduates. "There’s an amazing alumni network now...and they hire our students repeatedly," Dr. Sherren says, emphasizing the long-term benefits of studying at SRES.

One notable example of Dr. Sherren’s impactful work is her postdoctoral research on rotational grazing in Australia, which influenced policy changes. Her team's submission to the House of Representatives committee and subsequent testimony helped play a role in the introduction of tax breaks for sustainable grazing practices. This example underscores the real-world impact that interdisciplinary research at SRES can achieve. "Five years later, there was a policy put in place for tax breaks for the kind of practices that we were advocating, and I like to think that I had something to do with that," she reflects.

Dr. Sherren also addresses the importance of accepting change and moving away from the myth

of equilibrium in ecological and social systems. She emphasizes that stability is a luxury, often unattainable in a world of constant environmental fluctuations. By promoting a mindset that embraces change and seeks adaptive solutions, her work encourages communities to develop resilience and flexibility in the face of environmental challenges. "We need people to understand that stability is just a massive luxury," she asserts, highlighting the need for non-equilibrium thinking in environmental management.

In conclusion, Dr. Kate Sherren's research exemplifies the interdisciplinary ethos of SRES, where collaboration and innovation are central to addressing the complex environmental challenges of our time. Through her work, she not only advances our understanding of human-environment interactions but also inspires the next generation of environmental leaders. As we navigate an increasingly uncertain future, SRES stands as a beacon of hope, where research, education, and action converge to create a more sustainable world. With its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, personalized mentorship, and a robust alumni network, SRES equips students with the tools they need to make a significant impact in the field of environmental studies. Dr. Sherren's work and the supportive environment at SRES together highlight the school's vital role in shaping the future of sustainability and environmental management. Dr. Sherren will continue SRES’s legacy of leadership in environmental research when she takes over as the school’s director role in summer of 2024.

For more reading on some of Dr. Sherren’s research, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/cag.12836