Staff Profiles
Meet some of the teaching staff on our master's courses.
Dr Christopher Ives, Course Director for MSc Environmental Leadership and Management
Chris is an interdisciplinary sustainability scientist with expertise in urban social-ecological systems and the human dimensions of environmental management.
He leads two modules — Techniques for Environmental Solutions, and Perspectives on Environmental Leadership.
In Perspectives on Environmental Leadership, students are exposed to different theories of leadership that challenge conventional ways of thinking about change.
You'll explore how the nature of the environmental crisis requires a rethink of processes and outcomes of leadership (to emphasise complexity, relationality, and social-ecological wellbeing), as well as the values behind it (environmental care and humility).
A highlight of this module is the leaders and experts from different sectors who contribute to class discussions. Through these conversations, you'll go on a journey of discovery to find new perspectives and insights on how to lead change for a sustainable future.
Chris loves the natural world and is fascinated by the complexity of interactions between people and ecosystems. He also recognises that the coming decades will be crucial for the long-term future of the planet. He says:
By helping to inspire and equip future environmental leaders, I hope to be able to make a positive impact in society towards sustainability.
Chris' current research focuses on the kinds of , and how can be mobilised to facilitate transformative change. He is also interested in and . Chris has been a contributing author to the and is an editor for the journal .
Dr Meghan Alexander, Interim Course Director for MSc Environmental Leadership and Management
Meghan is an Associate Professor in Human Geography, specialising in climate change adaptation. Her research concentrates on matters of governance, policy and risk management, and corresponding implications for societal resilience and social justice. Working at the interface between science and policy, Meghan’s research often informs recommendations for policy and practice in the UK, particularly around flood risk management and coastal adaptation.
Meghan has been involved in a range of national and international interdisciplinary research consortia. Her current research, funded by the British Academy, examines how restorative (in)justice for human and non-human worlds is shaped by coastal adaptation (in)action in England and the Netherlands (CARE project). This interdisciplinary project (environmental geography, environmental humanities, political science, philosophy) is utilising diverse research methods to not only advance theoretical understanding but also to inform decision-support tools that help facilitate restoratively just adaptation in practice. Meghan draws from both her research and professional experience of engaging with policymakers and practitioners in her teaching.
Human-induced climate change is the biggest threat facing society. But, as we are the problem, humans are also the solution to the climate crisis. I am inspired by our students, by their energy, creative ideas, and determination to become the environmental leaders the world needs.
Meghan convenes an optional module available to both MSc programmes on ‘Climate Change Decision-Making’. The module explores the complexities of mitigating and adapting to climate change, the various factors that influence the decision-making process and enable or constrain effective climate action at international, national and local scales. By exploring these complexities, the module aims to equip students with the critical thinking skills and savviness necessary for designing and implementing climate policies, steering change and accelerating climate action at a time when it is so urgently needed.
Dr Emily O'Donnell, Course Director for MSc Global Environmental Sustainability
Dr Emily O'Donnell is Course Director for MSc Global Environmental Sustainability. Her expertise is in climate adaptation, flood risk and water management and blue-green infrastructure. She teaches on three modules - Global Frontiers in Sustainability, Climate Change Decision-Making in Context, and Project Preparation, Design and Management.
Global Frontiers in Sustainability examines the complex interactions between environmental, social, economic and political factors that shape sustainable development. International case studies are used to highlight best practice. You'll explore sustainability at different scales, from global agreements to individual behaviour and household practices.
I am inspired to work in an area that can actively make a difference to how we adapt to changes in climate, which is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. I see an immense value of bringing blue and green spaces back into cities to allow us to live with water rather than viewing this as a hazard.
Emily's impactful research in and has helped around better use of blue-green infrastructure in urban flood risk management. She also coordinates the Blue-Green ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Group, which brings together researchers and local organisations to develop strategies to tackle ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½’s climate and environmental challenges.