Ways to Get Involved
Graduate Certificate in Ecological Economics
The Ecological Economics Graduate Certificate gives students and professionals a solid foundation in ecological economics to advance your research, organization, or career. Learners can take the certificate by itself or paired with UVM graduate programs.
Leadership for the Ecozoic
The Leadership for the Ecozoic (L4E) PhD program is an ambitious global research-to-action project seeking to heal Earth’s life support systems and foster a mutually-enhancing relationship between the planet and society.
Eric Zencey Prize in Ecological Economics
The Eric Zencey Prize in Ecological Economics celebrates the best current affairs book or long-form journalism that addresses real-world environmental challenges using the principles of ecological economics.
Our History
From 2002-2017, the Gund Institute was named the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics, and the approach remains a core strength.
Learn MoreFrom Theory to Action
Meet Our Scholars
Doctoral Dissertations in Ecological Economics
2026
Melgar, R. (2026). The real versus virtual wealth of nations: Toward post-growth regenerative financial systems to secure net energy to sustain human well-being within planetary boundaries. (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College). Link to dissertation.
2024
Adams, A. (2024). Diversity, change, and resilience of non-material values: Transdisciplinary studies in a time of ecological crisis. (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College). Link to dissertation.
Bliss, S. (2024). Non-market food practices do things markets cannot: why Vermonters produce and distribute food that is not for sale. (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College). Link to dissertation.
Egler, M. (2024). Power, narrative, and energy transitions in the fossil fuel landscapes of North America. (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College). Link to dissertation.
Larson, J.G.T. (2024). Restoring balance: pursuing socio-ecological harmony through policy-entric, process-centric, and structure-centric governance. (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College). Link to dissertation.
2023
Anderzén, J. (2023). “No solamente del café puede vivir uno...”: Participatory action research on agricultural diversification in smallholder coffee systems of Chiapas, Mexico. (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College). Link to dissertation.
Moore, M. (2023). Towards a Food-Secure Future in an Era of Uncertainty: Cultivating Resilience in Vulnerable Smallholder Food Systems. (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College). Link to dissertation.
2022
Dube, B. (2022). Embracing uncertainty, ambiguity, and complexity in agriculture, science, and policy. (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College). Link to dissertation.
2021
Morgan, C. B. (2021). Food from somewhere: Envisioning and practicing aspirational food systems. (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College). Link to dissertation.
2019
Ament, J.A. (2019). A socio-ecological revolution in monetary theory: An argument for, the development of, and application of ecological monetary theory. (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College). Link to dissertation.
Wagner, C.R.H. (2019). Governing water quality limits in agricultural watersheds. (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College). Link to dissertation.
2018
Wironen, M.B. (2018). Governing environmental and economic flows in regional food systems. (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College). Link to dissertation.
2017
Spencer, P. (2017). Shaping policy in the Anthropocene: Gender justice as a social, economic and ecological challenge. (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College). Link to dissertation.
Fox, M.J.V. (2017). Designing for economic success: A 50-state analysis of the genuine progress indicator. (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College). Link to dissertation.
2010
Hagens, N. (2010). Towards an applied net energy framework. (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College). Link to dissertation.
More Ecological Economics News
AI Meets the Well-being Economy: UVM Panel Explores Promise and Risk
Gund Faculty Fellow Josh Farley Talks Ecological Economics on PBS' Energy Switch Season 8
Beyond Earth Day: Ecological Economics For All Inspires Global Citizens to Reconnect with the Rest of Nature
Global Study Finds Majority of People Worldwide Prioritize Environmental Protection Over Economic Growth
Q&A: Environmental Economist Phoebe Spencer Shares her Experience at the World Bank