Staff Profiles
Meet some of the teaching staff on our master's courses.
Dr Christopher Ives, Course Director for MSc Environmental Leadership and Management
Chris is an interdisciplinary sustainability scientist with expertise in urban social-ecological systems and the human dimensions of environmental management.
He leads two modules — Techniques for Environmental Solutions, and Perspectives on Environmental Leadership.
In Perspectives on Environmental Leadership, students are exposed to different theories of leadership that challenge conventional ways of thinking about change.
You'll explore how the nature of the environmental crisis requires a rethink of processes and outcomes of leadership (to emphasise complexity, relationality, and social-ecological wellbeing), as well as the values behind it (environmental care and humility).
A highlight of this module is the leaders and experts from different sectors who contribute to class discussions. Through these conversations, you'll go on a journey of discovery to find new perspectives and insights on how to lead change for a sustainable future.
Chris loves the natural world and is fascinated by the complexity of interactions between people and ecosystems. He also recognises that the coming decades will be crucial for the long-term future of the planet. He says:
By helping to inspire and equip future environmental leaders, I hope to be able to make a positive impact in society towards sustainability.
Chris' current research focuses on the kinds of relationships people have with nature, and how deeper meanings and values can be mobilised to facilitate transformative change. He is also interested in how religion shapes people's views of nature and commitments to sustainability. Chris has been a contributing author to the IPBES Values Assessment and is an editor for the journal Sustainability Science.
Dr Emily O'Donnell, Course Director for MSc Global Environmental Sustainability
Dr Emily O'Donnell is Course Director for MSc Global Environmental Sustainability. Her expertise is in climate adaptation, flood risk and water management and blue-green infrastructure. She teaches on three modules - Global Frontiers in Sustainability, Climate Change Decision-Making in Context, and Project Preparation, Design and Management.
Global Frontiers in Sustainability examines the complex interactions between environmental, social, economic and political factors that shape sustainable development. International case studies are used to highlight best practice. You'll explore sustainability at different scales, from global agreements to individual behaviour and household practices.
I am inspired to work in an area that can actively make a difference to how we adapt to changes in climate, which is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. I see an immense value of bringing blue and green spaces back into cities to allow us to live with water rather than viewing this as a hazard.
Emily's impactful research in Blue-Green Cities and Urban Flood Resilience has helped change policy in Newcastle around better use of blue-green infrastructure in urban flood risk management. She also coordinates the Blue-Green Nottingham Group, which brings together researchers and local organisations to develop strategies to tackle Nottingham’s climate and environmental challenges.
Professor Simon Gosling, Course Director for MSc Climate Change, Environment and Society
Simon is Course Director for MSc Climate Change, Environment and Society. He runs two of the modules, Climate Risk Management, and Global Climate Change. Simon also teaches on Climate Change Decision-Making in Context.
I really enjoy teaching on the course because I believe, now more than ever, that we need to take action to protect the planet for future generations. Many of our students share the same view and it is inspiring to discuss students' potential solutions to the climate crisis while at the same time seeing their ideas and understanding develop, alongside a sense of agency to bring about positive change.
Simon's research is used to support decision-making in businesses and governmental organisations on climate action and management. He has supported negotiating teams at UN Climate Conferences like the 2015 meeting that resulted in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. He has also supported national-level climate policy-making through his contributions to the UK's Climate Risk Assessments and setting of the UK Carbon Budgets.
Most recently, Simon's research was used to inform the EU's policy on climate change adaptation for 2050. His research is also used by non-governmental organisations to help foster positive change that reduces global inequities and promotes climate action.
My teaching reflects my experiences of working with decision-makers and managers in governments, businesses and non-governmental organisations on addressing and solving climate challenges. This is echoed in my lecture topics, the discussions and exercises we have in seminars, and the coursework tasks that I set, which mirror the goals, methods and skills that are used in projects focussed on managing climate change and its impacts.