Human and Community Dynamics

Enhancing the economic and social well-being of people and the systems that sustain them

Our researchers are strengthening the development and resilience of communities and the individuals within them, especially as they are faced with social, economic, and environmental shocks and stresses. This research analyzes existing challenges and forecasts the impacts of future disruptions to provide sustainable strategies and policy recommendations that sustain food and energy systems, promote agritourism and entrepreneurship, and ensure community health.

Advancing the Next Generation of the Agricultural Workforce

Building Equity in Agriculture

Supporting the growth of female-owned farms.

Designing Automated Solutions

Novel pruning system can provide automated, cost-effective solutions to ease challenges facing tree-fruit growers.

Enhancing rural communities facing major socio-economic shifts

Protecting Food Crops

Understanding the impacts of climate change can help vulnerable communities to build resilience.

Detecting Food Insecurity

Harnessing social media to identify food insecurity problems.

Learning from Crises

Addressing vulnerability risk factors can strengthen Pennsylvania communities

Planning for Disruptions

Modeling pandemic impacts on Alaskan salmon season helps communities prepare for different scenarios

Promoting Economic Resilience

Using lessons from successful communities to guide future growth

Office for Research and Graduate Education

Address

217 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park, PA 16802-2600