What motivated you to apply for a Fulbright award?

During my US Peace Corps service in Malawi (1998-2000), I became acutely aware of the fundamental role of the natural environment in supporting human health and quality of life. Most Malawians are intimately connected to the ecosystem services (e.g., air, water, food, medicine) provided by the natural environment to meet fundamental daily needs, and meeting these needs is essential to physical, mental, and social health and well-being. Understanding how Malawians rely on these services, and protecting the landscapes that provide them, is critical to the sustainable development of Malawi.

Describe the importance and reach of the research and/or teaching you did while on Fulbright?

The tangible economic benefits to The Republic of Malawi can be realized in the avoidance of many costly adaptive measures that stem from the need to overcome diminished local ecosystem services (e.g., importation of food, construction materials). By identifying the local natural elements that provide essential ecosystem services, these resources can be targeted for protection. Ultimately, by protecting these local resources, the health care costs associated with treating conditions caused by diminished ecosystem services can be reduced.