Our Vision – Engaged Ecology
The Engaged Ecology Initiative envisions a world where humanity and the planet coexist harmoniously, transcending the challenges of ecological crises. Our vision is to foster a global community committed to socio-ecological justice, peace, and sustainability, achieved through a fundamental shift in values and attitudes. We strive to be a leading center for research and education, empowering individuals and communities to embrace self-renewal and self-organization, thereby healing the planet and promoting resilience and sustainability.
Our Team
- Vince L. Lopes, Ph.D.
My work takes inspiration from Indigenous knowledge, deep ecology, and systems thinking and is directed toward developing principles and practices that promote community engagement and ecological governance in response to climate crises and sustainability challenges. - Justin Williams, Ph.D.
My interest include socio-ecological flourishing, ecological ontology, and approaching thought as a system. My basic premise states in order to nurture an ecological orientation, we need multiple opportunities to share deeply meaningful experiences with our socio-ecological communities. - Jeff Gessas, Ph.D.
I focus on the connections between the environmental and the social, drawing most heavily from environmental justice, Latin American decolonialism, and ecofeminism. I view building coalitions between people as crucial for developing a strong ecology of community and mending ruptures between human beings and their environment.
Ronald A. Stockdreher, M.A.
I’m wholeheartedly committed to the belief that our existence on Earth is deeply relational and interconnected, affecting both humanity and the natural world in profound ways. My passion lies in fostering a holistic approach that empowers communities, intertwining education and action to address environmental challenges as shared responsibilities. Through meaningful relationships and collaborations, I’m convinced we can achieve a harmonious balance that honors both human well-being and ecological integrity.
Our Mission
The mission of the Engaged Ecology Initiative is to be a catalyst for positive change by conducting cutting-edge research and providing transformative education, while also actively engaging in community outreach. We aim to cultivate a deep understanding of environmental ethics and biocultural conservation, with a specific focus on the Edwards Plateau region and beyond. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and international partnerships, we seek to engage undergraduate and graduate students in meaningful research exchanges, fostering a global perspective on environmental studies.
At the core of our mission is the commitment to ecocommunity resilience and sustainability. We recognize the mutual responsibility we share with society to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Through community outreach programs, we strive to empower individuals and local communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to address pressing ecological challenges. By fostering a culture of coexistence and responsible stewardship, we envision a harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.
Our dedication to environmental philosophy as a methodological approach underscores our commitment to holistic problem-solving and innovative thinking. By working hand in hand with diverse communities, we aim to co-create sustainable solutions that balance human needs with ecological integrity. Through active education and engagement, we seek to inspire individuals to become proactive advocates for environmental well-being and agents of positive change. Together, we endeavor to shape a more socially just, peaceful, and sustainable future for our planet.