Research

Time in nature often involves multi-sensory experiences and a multitude of pathways through which these experiences lead to well-being. We investigate these interactions, including a specific focus on the mechanisms related to the olfactory pathway.

Through our laboratory and real-world experimental designs we examine the ways in which nature experience may lead to a variety of psychophysiological and neuroimmunological outcomes.

We work in collaboration with a variety of labs to assess these outcomes through mobile physiology measurements, inflammatory biomarker analyses, ecological momentary assessment and the employment and development of a variety of other methodological approaches.

Natural environments and ecosystems produce a number of benefits for human well-being, from carbon sequestration to flood protection and water purification. Connections to nature are deeply intertwined with  sense of place, identity, and spiritual, aesthetic and cultural values. Nature contact has been shown to benefit emotional and physical well-being. We explore one of many ways to operationalize some of these benefits through the conceptual framework of “psychological ecosystem services” and work to put this science into practice in decision-making contexts that aim to address health inequities.

Our research relates to climate change through examinations of the benefits that we stand to lose with rapidly changing landscapes. We also work with communities to assess climate change anxiety and mental health impacts from wildfire smoke, through collaborations with Drs. Nicole Errett, Elizabeth Walker, Tania Busch-Isaaksen, and others from the UW and rural Washington communities.