Professor Emeritus

Chris Koliba is a Professor in the Community Development and Applied Economics Department at the University of Vermont (UVM), the Director of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program, the Co-Director of the Social Ecological Gaming and Simulation (SEGS) Lab (www.uvm.edu/~segs) and a fellow at the Gund Institute on Ecological Economics. He possesses a Ph.D. and an MPA from Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.  His research interests include environmental governance, governance networks, community resilience, network performance and accountability, with applications to water quality, food systems, energy systems, emergency and disaster response, and sustainable transportation systems. He has served as PI, Co-PI or Science Leader on grants from the National Science Foundation, the United States Department of Transportation, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Vermont Department of Education, and the Spencer Foundation. Koliba is the science leader for the social systems team of Basin Resilience to Extreme Events (BREE) project of Vermont EPSCoR.  He is the lead author of Governance Network in Public Administration and Public Policy published by Taylor & Francis and has published articles in many of the leading public administration and public policy journals.  He is recent past chair of the Complexity and Network Studies section of the American Society of Public Administration. He teaches courses pertaining to public policy and public affairs, public administration, organizational theory and behavior, systems analysis and strategic management, and the intersection of science and society.

Research and/or Creative Works

RECENT LARGE GRANTS

  • Principal Investigator. Risk perception and Governance of Flood Hazard Mitigation for the Lake Champlain and Richelieu River Basin.  International Joint Commission.
  • Social Science Leader. Basin Resilience to Extreme Event.  Experimental Program to Stimulate Research (EPSCoR). National Science Foundation
  • Social Science Leader. North East Water Resources Network. Experimental Program to Stimulate Research (EPSCoR). National Science Foundation
  • Co-Principal Investigator. A Human Behavioral Approach to Reducing the Impact of Livestock Pest or Disease Incursions of Socio-Economic Importance. United States Department of Agriculture
  • Social Science Leader. Research on Adaption to Climate Change.  Experimental Program to Stimulate Research (EPSCoR). National Science Foundation
  • Principal Investigator. A Complex Systems Approach to Assessing the Role and Impact of Health Economics in Managing End Stage Renal Disease in Rural Settings. UVM College of Medicine
  • Co-Principal Investigator. Climate Adaptation and Mitigation in the Lake Champlain Basin Program of Vermont. National Institute for Food Research. USDA. Subaward from UVM Food Systems TRI Competitive Research Program

Publications

RECENT BOOKS

  • Researching Networks and Collaboration in the Public Sector: A Guide to Approaches, Methodologies and Analytics. Oxfordshire, UK: Routledge Press. 
With Co-editors: Joris Voets and Robyn Keast
  • Governance Networks Analysis in Public Administration and Public Policy (Second Edition). Oxfordshire, UK: Routledge Press. Lead author with co-authors Jack Meek, Asim Zia and Russell Mills

RECENT BOOK CHAPTERS

  • Koliba, C., Zia, A. and Merrill, S. 2019.  Using Agent-Based Models to Study Network and Collaborative Governance. In Voets, J. Keast, R. and Koliba, C. (editors). Researching Networks and Collaboration in the Public Sector: A Guide to approaches, methodologies, and analytics. New York: Routledge.
  • Koliba, C. 2018.  Networks of Governance. Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance.  New York: Springer Press.
  • Koliba, C., Gerrts, L., Rhodes, M-L., and Meek, J. 2016. Complexity Theory and Systems Analysis. Ansell, C. and Torfing, J. (editors) Handbook on Theories of Governance. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing. 364-379.
  • Koliba, C. and Koopenjan, J. 2015.  Managing Networks as Complex Adaptive Systems.  Loeffler, E. and Bovaird, T. (editors) Public Management and Governance (3rd edition). New York: Routledge Press.
  • Koliba, C. and Zia. A. 2015. Educating Public Administrators and Policy Analysts in the Era of Policy and Governance Informatics. Janssen, M., Wimmer, M.A., and Deljoo, A. (editors). Policy Practice and Digital Science: Integrating Complex Systems, Social Simulation and Public Administration in Policy Research. New York: Springer.
  • Koliba, C. 2015. Civil Society Organization Accountability within Governance Networks. Laville, J.L., Young, D., and Eynaud, P. (editors). Civil Society, the Third Sector and Social Enterprise: Governance and Democracy. New York:  Routledge Press.
  • Koliba, C. and Zia, A. 2015. Governance Informatics: Using Computer Simulation Models to Deepen Situational Awareness and Governance Design Considerations. Johnston, E. (editors). Governance in the Information Era: Theory and Practice of Policy Informatics.  New York: Routledge Press. 189-212.
  • Schattman, R., Méndez, E., Westjik, K., Caswell, M., Conner, D., Koliba, C., Zia, A., Hurley, S., Adair, C., Berlin, L., and   Darby, H.  2014. Vermont Agricultural Resilience in a Changing Climate: A Transdisciplinary and Participatory Action Research (PAR) Process. Benkeblia, N. (editor) Agroecology, ecosystems and sustainability. Advances in Agroecology Series. CRC Press/Taylor and Francis.
  • Koliba, C. 2013. Governance Network Performance: A Complex Adaptive Systems Approach. In Agranoff, B., Mandell, M., and Keast, R. (editors).  Network Theory in the Public Sector: Building New Theoretical Frameworks. New York: Routledge Press. 84-102.
  • Beckage, B., Kauffman, S. Zia, A., Koliba, C., Gross, L.J. 2013. More Complex Complexity: Exploring the Nature of Computational Irreducibility Across Physical, Biological, and Human Social Systems. Zenil, H. editor. Irreducibility and Computational Equivalence.  Berlin: Springer-Verlag. 79-88.

RECENT PEER REVIEW PUBLICATIONS

  • Fredman, D., Palchak, E, Koliba, C. and Zia, A. 2018. Not So Fast: Nuanced Benefits and Risks of Real-time Feedback, Incentives, and Demand Response in Rental Households. American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy Conference Proceedings. 8-1 – 8-12. URL:/assts/attachments/0194_0286_000444.pdf
  • Coleman, S., Hurley, S., Koliba, C., Zia, A., and Rizzo, D. 2018. From the Household to Watershed: A cross-scale analysis of residential intention to adopt Green Stormwater Infrastructure. Landscape and Urban Planning. 180: 195-206. doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2018.09.005
  • Zia, A. and Koliba, C. 2017. Dynamics of Intergovernmental Networks: Harnessing Agent Based Modeling Simulations for Resilient Infrastructures. Journal on Policy & Complex Systems.
  • Coleman, S., Hurley, S. Koliba, C., and Zia, C. 2017. Crowdsourced Delphis: Designing Solutions to Complex Environmental Problems with Broad Stakeholder Participation. Global Environmental Change. 41: 111-123.
  • Scheinert, S., Zia, A. and Koliba, C. 2017. Growing Collaborations: Forecasting Changes in Partnership Networks using a Bottom-Up Approach. Journal on Policy & Complex Systems. 3(1):3-27.
  • Kapucu, N. and Koliba, C. 2017. The Use of Competency-based Portfolio as Pedagogical Tool and Assessment Strategy in MPA Programs. Journal of Public Affairs Education.
  • Mills, R., Koliba. C. and Reiss, D. 2016. Ensuring Compliance from 35,000 feet: Accountability and Trade-Offs in Aviation Safety Regulatory Networks. Administration & Society. 0095399716656223.
  • Zia, A., Bomblies, A., Schroth, A., Koliba, C., Isles, P., Tsai, Y., Mohammed, I., Bucini, G., Clemins, P., Turnbull, S., Rogers, M., Hamed, A., Beckage, B, Winter, J., Adair, C., Galford, G., Rizzo, D., and Van Houten, J., 2016. Coupled Impacts of Climate and Land Use Change Across a River-Lake Continuum: Insights from an Integrated Assessment Model of Lake Champlain’s Missisquoi Basin, 2000-2040. Environmental Research Letters.  11(11).
  • Greenblatt, M., Erten, M., Fernandez, L., McKinnon, W., and Koliba, C. 2016.  Universal versus Targeted Screening for Lynch Syndrome:  Comparing Ascertainment and Costs Based on Clinical Experience. Digestive Diseases and Sciences.  Oct (10): 2887-95.
  • Koliba, C. Wiltshire, S., Scheinert, S. Turner, D., Zia, A., and Campbell, E. 2016. The Critical Role of Information Sharing
to the Value Proposition of a Food Systems Network. Public Management Review. doi.org/10.1080/14719037.2016.1209235
  • Koliba, C., Zia, A., Schroth, A., Bomblies, A., Van Houten, J., Rizzo, D. 2016. Lake Champlain Basin as a Complex Adaptive System: Key Findings from the Research on Adaptation to Climate Change Project. Vermont Journal of Environmental Law. 17(4): 533-563.
  • Romolini, M., Grove, M., Ventriss, C., Koliba, C. and Krmkowski, D., 2016. Towards an Understanding of Citywide Urban Environmental Governance: An Examination of Stewardship Networks in Baltimore and Seattle. Environmental Management. DOI 10.1007/s00267-016-0704-4
  • Kanwar, P., Koliba, C., Greenhalgh, S. and Bowden, W.B. 2015. An Institutional Analysis of the Kaipara Harbour Governance Network in New Zealand. Society & Natural Resources. DOI:10.1080/08941920.2016.1144838
  • Tsai, Y., Zia, A., Koliba, C., Bucini, G., Guilbert, J., and Beckage, 2015.  An Interactive Land Use Transition Agent-Based Model (ILUTABM): Endogenizing Human Environment Interactions at Watershed Scales. Land Use Policy. doi:10.1016/j.landusepol.2015.07.008
  • Scheinert, S., Koliba, C., Hurley, S., Coleman, S., and Zia, A., 2015. The Shape of Watershed Governance: Locating the Boundaries of Multiplex Networks. Complexity, Governance & Networks. 2(1): 65–82. DOI: 10.7564/15-CGN25.
  • Fernandez, L., Koliba, C., Cheung, K., Zia, A., Jones, C., and Solomon, R.  2015. Using System Dynamics Modeling to Project Critical Care Pathways Populations and Costs for End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): US Population to 2020. Journal of Health Economics and Outcomes Research. 3(1): 24-33.
  • Schulz, A., Zia, A., and Koliba, C. 2015. Adapting Bridge Infrastructure to Climate Change: Institutionalizing Resilience in Intergovernmental Transportation Planning Processes in the Northeastern United States.  Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change.  DOI:10.1007/s11027-015-9672-x
  • Zia, A., Koliba, C., Meek, J., and Schulz, A. 2015. Scale and Intensity of Collaboration as Determinants of Performance Management Gaps in Polycentric Governance Networks:  Evidence from a National Survey of MPOs. Policy & Politics. 43(3): 367-390. http://dx.doi.org/10.1332/030557315X14352341137386
  • Novak, D., Koliba, C., Zia, A., and Tucker, D. 2015. Evaluating the Outcomes Associated with an Innovative Change in a State-Level Transportation Project Prioritization Process: A Case Study of Vermont.  Transport Policy. 42: 130-143. doi:10.1016/j.tranpol.2015.05.021
  • Koliba, C., Reynolds, A., Zia, A., and Scheinert, S. 2015. Isomorphic Properties of Network Governance: Comparing Two Watershed Governance Initiatives in the Lake Champlain Basin Using Institutional Network Analysis. Complexity, Governance & Networks. 1(2). 99–118. DOI: 10.7564/14-CGN12
  • Koliba, C., DeMenno, M., Brune, N. and Zia, A. 2014. The Salience and Complexity of Building, Regulating and Governing the Smart Grid: Lessons from a Statewide Public-Private Partnership.  Energy Policy. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2014.09.013
  • Mills, R. and Koliba, C. 2014. The Challenge of Accountability in Complex Regulatory Networks: The Case of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Regulation & Governance. DOI:10.1111/rego.12062

Awards and Recognition

  • 2012 Marshall Dimock Award for Best Lead Article in the Public Administration Review. Accountability within Governance Networks: Lessons from Hurricane Katrina.
  • 2009 Most downloaded article. International Journal of Public Administration for Paper: Koliba, C. and Gajda, R. 2009. Communities of Practice as an Empirical Construct: Implications for Theory and Practice. International Journal of Public Administration. 32 97-135.
  • 2008 Best unpublished work on Accountability and Ethics. Johnson Institute for Shared Responsibility. University of Pittsburgh. For the paper co-authored with R. Mills: Accountability within Governance Networks: Lessons from Hurricane Katrina. (Eventually published in Public Adminstration Review.)
  • 2007 Nominee for Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Vermont
  • 2007 Inductee. Pi Alpha Alpha (Public Administration National Honor Society)
  • 2005 Best Rural Education Research Article for "Place-based education in the standards-based reform era- conflict or complement?" as selected by Mr. Rural Ed. Blog
  • 2005 Finalist for Thomas Ehrlich Award for Community Service-Learning, Campus Compact.
  • 2005 John Glenn Scholar in Service-Learning. Critical Issues and Priorities. John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy. Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Associations and Affiliations

  • American Society of Public Administration
  • Public Management Research Association
  • International Research Society for Public Management
  • National Network of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
Dr. Chris Koliba sitting in front of a window and smiling at the camera.

Areas of Expertise and/or Research

public administration, network governance, critical food, energy, water, transportation infrastructure, community resilience, complex adaptive systems

Education

  • BS Finance. Whitman School of Business, Syracuse University
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA), Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University
  • Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Social Science, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University

CV

PDF icon Chris Koliba's CV.pdf

Contact

Email:

Christopher.Koliba@uvm.edu

Phone:
  • 802.656.3772
Office Location:

103D Morrill Hall

Website(s):
  1. Chris Koliba's Website
  2. UVM SEGS Lab