Transformative change toward holistic planetary health is complex, interconnected, and uncertain. Yet our research methodologies often do not reflect these realities. What if we embraced approaches that are more grounded, diverse, and adaptable? Could this open new pathways toward regenerative futures?

In my doctoral research, I explored how weaving together different methods, practices, and contexts could offer more holistic ways of understanding and addressing social and ecological challenges in rural mountain communities. From 2021–2024, I prototyped this approach in Ostana (Italy), Hemsedal (Norway), and Mammoth Lakes (USA), working collaboratively with community members, local municipalities, and research institutions. The methodology was adaptive, evolving in real time as new insights emerged, mirroring the non-linear, emergent nature of real-world sustainability transformations.

Through multi-modal insights and rich visualizations, the study demonstrates how methodologies can be conceptualized as complex systems—emergent, recursive, interconnected, and adaptive. This work offers plural, co-creative approaches that help reconnect people with each other and the broader web of life, offering practical ways to navigate complexity and uncertainty in pursuit of regenerative futures.

PhD Research

Supervisors: Dr. Tobias Luthe, Dr. Birger Sevaldson, Dr. Andrew Morrison

Committee Members: Dr. Anders Ese, Dr. Delfina Fantini van Ditmar and Dr. Danielle Lake

Detail of visual timeline illustrating interactive processes between diverse methods, practices, places, people and ideas across each mountain community.

Fireside chat at the MonViso Institute with the mayor of Ostana, Italy community members and ETH Zurich PhD summer school students.

Interactive worldviews role-play exercise with participants during the Systemic Cycles tour in Long Valley, California.

Local historian highlighting the intersections of mining history and ancestral land use in Mammoth Lakes, California.

Beyond academic publications, I designed diverse outreach methods—including flyers, brochures, and social media—to share insights in real time and strengthen ongoing relationships with each mountain community.