GPS Faculty
Marja Bakermans, Associate Teaching Professor
The goal of my research program is to promote conservation of biodiversity by maintaining viable wildlife populations across the landscape. Specifically, my research addresses the influence of anthropogenic disturbances, like forest management, urbanization, and agriculture, on wildlife. It is my goal to open students’ eyes to the evolving and interconnected world of science by using my research as an example of how to assimilate science and the role of conservation in today’s world. Ultimately, it is my goal to provide an inclusive and enjoyable environment that fosters the learning process for students and allows us all to be lifelong learners. Learn more.
Courtney Kurlanska, Assistant Teaching Professor
The goal of my research program is to promote conservation of biodiversity by maintaining viable wildlife populations across the landscape. Specifically, my research addresses the influence of anthropogenic disturbances, like forest management, urbanization, and agriculture, on wildlife. It is my goal to open students’ eyes to the evolving and interconnected world of science by using my research as an example of how to assimilate science and the role of conservation in today’s world. Ultimately, it is my goal to provide an inclusive and enjoyable environment that fosters the learning process for students and allows us all to be lifelong learners. Learn more.
Geoffrey Pfeifer, Associate Teaching Professor
Professor Pfeifer’s research focus is on Contemporary Continental thought, social and political philosophy, global justice, and development ethics. He teaches for the first year Great Problems Seminars program and also holds a joint appointment in the department of Humanities and Arts where he teaches philosophy courses. Learn more.
Derren Rosbach, Associate Teaching Professor
The overarching goal of my teaching and research is to contribute to an interdisciplinary understanding of environmental governance and policy. More specifically, I focus on the building of individual, organizational and institutional capacities to participate in collaborative efforts to address complex social and environmental sustainability problems through the application of science and technology. Learn more.
Elisabeth “Lisa” Stoddard, Assistant Teaching Professor
Professor Stoddard’s research focuses on the policy and politics of food production in a changing climate and global economy. Her work analyzes the ways in which the governance of agriculture and livestock production shapes our food systems’ vulnerability and capacity to adapt to drought, floods, the global spread of disease, and other hazards. She is also interested in issues of environmental injustice in the livestock industry and the ability of social movements to make powerful changes, especially in the age of social media. Learn more.
Robert W. Traver, Teaching Professor
Two overarching questions direct Dr. Traver’s career: What is the nature of teaching? What is the teaching of nature? The majority of Dr. Traver’s fourteen years at WPI deals with the development and administration of education programs that involve science and engineering content and related teaching and training of teachers. Currently he focuses on project-based undergraduate engineering education with emphasis on related instruction and on project design and delivery for sustainable development. Learn more.
