Faculty Spotlight- Ryan Meyer

I direct the Center for Community and Citizen Science at the UC Davis School of Education, with the mission of helping scientists, communities, and citizens collaborate on science to address environmental problems as a part of civic life. Before coming to UC Davis, I worked at the California Ocean Science Trust, an independent boundary organization. Prior to that, I earned my PhD at Arizona State University and worked at the Earth Institute at Columbia University.

What class(es) do you teach?

I recently began teaching a 1-unit seminar on Community and Citizen Science in Conservation, which I plan to offer each Spring quarter.
 

What are your research interests and current goals?

I am broadly interested in the dynamics between science and society, and the question of how our system of science (its people, institutions, politics, and culture) can best serve and deliver public value. I have been heavily focused on community and citizen science related to a variety of environmental topics. Areas of past/current work include climate science, climate adaptation, ocean, and coastal resources, watershed health, and cooperative extension.
 

What made you decide to become involved in the EPM program?

I'm excited to work with students who are pursuing interdisciplinary careers and learning about how science gets mobilized in policy and management. I have some practical experience with this, but also have a lot more to learn, and working with students is a great way to do that.
 

Do you have any advice for incoming or prospective EPM students?

Roam widely! This university is big and full of people doing fascinating and inspiring work. Don't be afraid to inquire about things that are totally new to you, and connect with people outside of your specific focus -- you never know what opportunities might come up.
 

What is a fun fact about you?

My childhood was spent as a "faculty brat" on a rural boarding school campus, on the edge of the Los Padres National Forest.