With a background in agriculture and natural resources management, Leigh Bernacchi applies social science theory to the practice of communication. Her research interests include public understanding of science, climate change adaptation, environmental communication, and public participation. With a passion for geology and life sciences, Leigh was a naturalist ranger in Yosemite, Sequoia and Denali National Parks. She holds a PhD in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University and an MS in Environmental Humanities from the University of Utah. Leigh currently serves as the multi-campus UC Water program and communications coordinator.
To address environmental solutions, I adapt social science and humanities methods to form an integrative and responsive research program. Collaborating with researchers from multiple disciplines enriches the quality and relevance of our findings, improving stakeholder implementation of new information. I am especially interested in climate change communication and adaptation; natural resource management through informal and formal institutions; and public participation. Current subjects I am focused on include headwaters management and climate change; groundwater management and monitoring and environmental allocations of water resources.
