Eric is a Master of Science candidate in Natural Resources at the Rubenstein School and he is also pursuing a certificate of graduate study in Ecological Economics at the Gund Institute. Eric's thesis research focuses on vernal pool ecosystems. While these temporary wetland systems provide critical ecological services, including serving as breeding habitat for pressured amphibian species, conservation of these ecosystems is often challenging. Eric's passion for ecological economics was sparked as an undergraduate at the University of Vermont. There, he was part of a team at the Gund Institute that sought to promote investment in wetland restoration in the wake of Hurricane Katrina through an extensive valuation of ecosystem services that linked the natural capital of the Mississippi River Delta with the health of local economies. After graduating, Eric focused on stream research, specifically efforts that quantified the effects of stormwater on Vermont streams. Subsequently, he implemented the stream and pond monitoring program for the Northeast Temperate Network of the National Park Service. Eric is a strong believer in the cooperative model to build both social and economic capital in local communities. To this end, he serves on the board of directors of Vermont Federal Credit Union.

Research Interests: Sustainable Development, Locally Centered Systems Design, Renewable Energy Investment
Thesis (working title): Mercury Methylation Efficiency in Vernal Pool Ecosystems