Current research
My current research reckons with the multiple forms of global-scale structural violence that are driving current eco-political crises and shaping mainstream narratives of ‘the’ future.
Its goal is to identify, create and proliferate pathways towards pluralistic, inclusive eco-political futures.
This work draws its inspiration and guidance from the global ‘edges’: the lively and transformative spaces cultivated by communities who are marginalized by - and are actively resisting - eco-political crises and the oppressive forces that drive them.
In particular it is attuned to the ecological knowledge, politics and practice of diverse marginalized communities (including racialized, anti-colonial, disabled/Crip/neurodivergent and 2SLGBTQIA+).
Much of my previous work has analyzed the relationships between global structural violence and ecosystems collapse.
For the last decade, I’ve studied how global patterns of plant and animal extinction are driven by interlocking structures of violence and oppression, with a particular focus on diverse Indigenous forms of resistance and ecological politics. You can read more about this work in my new book, Revenant Ecologies, and my other publications.
My other key research contributions include an internationally-recognized body of work on the role of nonhumans (including emerging technologies) in international politics, security and ethics; innovative planetary and earth-focused approaches to global politics; original contributions to anti-colonial outer space studies; critical approaches to international intervention; critical and anti-colonial conflict studies and more.
Research leadership
As a research professor, a major part of my job is developing and building out new research programs. I’ve ideated, developed, written and managed 16 grants valued at over $2 million, including several large-scale international partnerships, networks/collectives and multi-disciplinary teams.
All of my research programs and projects involve multi-disciplinary, collaborative work that brings together diverse knowledge systems and people, opening up new areas of research and knowledge-sharing.
For instance, in 2018-2023, I served as PI on a research partnership between four universities that directly supported community-based research projects within and across 19 Indigenous communities in Canada, Australia the United States, Malaysia and the Phillippines.
I have (co-)founded and (co-)led several international research networks and collectives, including the Creatures Collective, an Indigenous/non-Indigenous network of researchers and community-based knowledge-keepers working together to support each other and create anti-colonial responses to extinction.
I have also advised universities, funders, government research units, publishers and universities on strategic priorities for future research, emerging research areas, policy-related research, inclusivity in research environments, and barriers to inclusive research.
Creating meaningful opportunities for career development for the next generations of knowledge leaders is a priority for me. I have mentored more than 50 people, including through PhD studentships, postdoctoral fellowships, research assistantships, funded collaborations, mentorships and other opportunities.
