Lauren Hartzell Nichols (she/her)

Lauren Hartzell Nichols began her interdisciplinary training in environmental studies at Connecticut College. While she originally thought she wanted to be an environmental scientist, Lauren quickly discovered her love and talent for philosophy. She double majored in the science track of the environmental studies major as well as in philosophy so as to prepare herself for a career in environmental ethics. Lauren completed her Ph.D. in the philosophy department at Stanford University, where she recruited climate scientist Stephen Schneider to serve on her dissertation committee. Lauren's work addresses the ethical challenges climate change poses. In particular, she addresses the complexity of ethical decision making in the face of significant, intergenerational risks. She recently published her first book, "A Climate of Risk: Precautionary Principles, Catastrophes, and Climate Change." Lauren is passionate about teaching courses that expose students to the ethical complexities of environmental problems and which explore the potential of interdisciplinary inquiry. Currently Lauren is an affiliate assistant professor in the philosophy department, teaching only occasionally for the department.