A public interest lawyer in my previous life, I was drawn to academia by its capacity to help facilitate attitudinal changes, foster dialogue, and inspire students to be ethically minded leaders. I thrive on the energy of students, particularly when I see them develop a newfound confidence and excitement for learning.

Drawing on my environmental policy knowledge, and awareness of the mental health aftermath of the COVID-19 induced shutdown, in 2022, I explored creation of a program that could facilitate student project work and increase student connections with nature. 

In the fall of 2023, in collaboration with the World Trails Network: Hub for the Americas (WTNHA) and the Waterman Fund, we developed and piloted a program where students earned a Certificate in Wilderness Ethics. The goal of this program is to develop environmental stewards and leaders, increase student-nature connection (thereby improving mental health) and increase recognition of the indigenous perspective.

I enjoy teaching courses and advising projects that involve ethical community engagement, environmental justice, environmental law and policy, water law and policy, and constitutional issues. I have worked with numerous municipalities, governmental and not-for-profit organizations on drinking water policy development, equity and quality of public versus private drinking water distribution, stormwater runoff mitigation policies, environmental stewardship, environmental justice, and dam removal policies within the state. I work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the United States Forest Service, am a member of the WPI Sustainability Committee, a frequent participant in Regional Stormwater Coalition meetings, and a contributor to the World Trails Network Alpine Stewardship Steering Committee.

Visit Digital WPI to view student projects advised by Professor Dehner.