Lynne M. Westphal

Title: Project Leader / Research Social Scientist
Unit: People and Their Environments: Social Science Supporting Natural Resource Management and Policy
Previous Unit: Natural Environments for Urban Populations
Address: Northern Research Station
1033 University Place, Suite 360
Evanston, IL 60201-3172
Phone: 847-866-9311; ext. 11
E-mail: Contact Lynne M. Westphal

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Education

• University of Illinois at Chicago. 1999. PhD, Public Policy Analysis and Urban Planning.
• Northeastern Illinois University. 1992. MA, Geography and Environmental Studies
• University of Wisconsin, Madison. 1982. BA South Asian Studies

Civic & Professional Affiliations

Environmental Design Research Association, American Psychological Association sec. 35 (environmental psychology), American Sociological Association, International Society of Arboriculture, Society for Conservation Biology.

Current Research

Two primary suites of projects-one in the Calumet rustbelt landscape of southeast Chicago and northwest Indiana, the other in the Iowa corn belt landscape-consume my research time. Both places have significant natural resources, both suffer from human-caused environmental degradation, and both engender very strong place attachment. My research aims to lessen the degradation, understand and build upon the place attachment, and create methods that work to involve local residents in creating a high-quality future for their region. In both Calumet and the Corn Belt I am involved in projects that look at the potential of computer modeling as a participatory decision making tool. Other projects include understanding people's perceptions of their local environments and the ways that local environments impact sense of self, sense of community, and overall quality of life. Most of my research uses qualitative research methods, and most is integrated with colleagues from the biological and physical sciences.

Why is This Important

We understand the importance of habitat for wildlife, yet humans need good habitat, too. Trees, rivers and streams, parks and other open spaces all play a significant role in creating good places to live. So, my work is important because it helps planners, municipal employees, elected officials, NGOs, tree advocates, and all other interested people understand how to manage natural resources to improve quality of life and achieve environmental justice.

Future Research

• Continue to refine and strengthen participatory decision making and management of natural areas.
• Understanding the fundamental impacts that living in aesthetically appealing or unappealing places have on people's well-being.
• Continuing the integration of social, biological, and physical disciplines in natural resources research.

Featured Publications

Additional Online Publications