Assistant Professor of Sociology

Ph.D., University of California - Santa Cruz, 2009

W.K. Kellogg Biological Station
3700 E. Gull Lake Dr.
Hickory Corners, MI  49060
Phone: 269-671-2264
Email: dstuart@msu.edu

Research Interests:

As a social scientist at KBS, my research revolves around relationships between social and ecological systems. I focus on “managed” landscapes, primarily agricultural lands, and explore land manager decision-making.

In many cases, information exists to guide the use of more sustainable management practices that can reduce negative environmental impacts. However, barriers often exist that can prevent the adoption of these practices. These barriers include social, cultural, political and economic factors that constrain the choices of farmers and other land managers. My work aims to explore these barriers and how they might be addressed.

My research methods involve personal interviews with land managers, focus groups, and mail surveys. Current research areas include an exploration of potential programs to reduce nitrogen fertilizer application and an evaluation of barriers to transitioning to pasture-based dairy in Michigan.

Future research areas are likely to focus on issues related to water quality and wildlife habitat in or surrounding agricultural lands. While my work is very applied, it also remains theoretically grounded. I draw heavily from environmental sociology and science and technology studies to contextualize my research and to contribute towards larger discussions regarding nature, society, and environmental issues.


Selected Publications:

Stuart, D. 2010. Coastal ecosystems and agricultural land use: new challenges on California’s Central Coast. Coastal Management 38: 42- 64.

Stuart, D. 2009. Constrained choice and ethical dilemmas in land management:
environmental quality and food safety in California agriculture. Agricultural and Environmental Ethics. 22: 53-71.

Stuart, D. and B. Emerson. 2009. Book review of “Agricultural Systems: Agroecology and Rural Innovation for Development.” Journal of Environmental Quality. 38: 373-374.

Stuart, D. 2008. The illusion of control: industrialized agriculture, nature, and food safety. Agriculture and Human Values. 25: 177 – 181.

Beretti, M. and D. Stuart. 2008. Food safety and environmental quality: impacts of conflicting demands on Central Coast growers. California Agriculture. 62 (2): 68 - 73.

Amweg, E.L., D.L. Stuart, and D.P. Weston. 2003. Comparative bioavailability of selenium to aquatic organisms after biological treatment of agricultural drainage water. Aquatic Toxicology. 63: 13-25.