Bio

Caroline Bean is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in forest and conservation sciences at the University of Montana, where she studies the ways in which communities and land managers identify and navigate the trade-offs and ethics of land management decisions within the Resist-Accept-Direct Framework. Alongside her doctoral work, Caroline serves as the Climate Action Program Manager for Missoula County, where she leads Missoula’s climate and sustainability work.

Caroline is drawn to interdisciplinary work that is integrated into community-based efforts, which is likely the result of her meandering academic background. With a bachelor’s in history and literature, master’s in urban planning and design, and professional career in climate policy and activism, she isn’t a traditional doctoral student – which she is both humored by and proud of! After completing her degree, Caroline hopes to continue engaging in creative, cross-cutting projects that result in community resilience to climate change. Outside of work, you can find Caroline romping around outside with her wife and dogs, reading a good book or getting her hands dirty in the garden.

Learn more about Caroline’s research