Nicole Zdrojewski
Research Interests
My research interest lies in examining how communities understand and respond to climate risk in settings where social inequality, resource constraints, and complex institutional environments shape adaptation choices. My doctoral research looks at how communities that live with chronic climate and disaster risk make sense of their vulnerabilities and find ways to adapt together. My field research in urban and rural coastal Philippine communities explores how people navigate complex institutional environments and long histories of inequality while still building forms of collective resilience. I am interested in recreancy, community mobilization, political economy, and the everyday practices that shape how people actually live with climate change.
Education
PhD Candidate in Environmental Sociology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
M.A. in International Development Studies, George Washington University
B.S. in Environmental Studies, University of Maryland, College Park
B.A. in Anthropology, University of Maryland, College Park
Experience
I have extensive applied research and project management experience for USG-funded initiatives in international development (USAID, Millenium Challenge Corporation), life sciences research (US Navy), and international security (National Intelligence Council). My work has included qualitative and survey research, monitoring and evaluation, partnership-building, and producing reports and toolkits for policymakers and practitioners. My experience includes projects focused on infectious disease, gender issues, human trafficking, migration, poverty and instability, education, youth development, social inequality, and disaster resilience. I am also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer RPCV), Ukraine.
