Andrea Gerlak named acting director of the Udall Center

Andrea Gerlak, research professor in the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy and professor in the School of Geography, Development and Environment, has been named acting director of the Udall Center, replacing Director Christopher Scott as he leaves the University of Arizona on May 23.

Gerlak, who holds a PhD in political science from the University, focuses her research on cooperation and conflict around water, including questions of institutional change and adaptation to climate change in river basins and human rights and equity issues in water governance. She is a senior research fellow with the Earth System Governance Project and recently served as a lead author on the Earth Systems Governance Science and Implementation Plan. Additionally, she serves as a co-editor for the Journal of Environmental Policy and Planning and is a member of the editorial board for Anthropocene, a journal addressing the nature, scale and extent of the influence that people have on Earth.

"Dr. Gerlak's experience makes her an excellent choice to lead the Udall Center at this time," said Elizabeth "Betsy" Cantwell, senior vice president for research and innovation. "Please join me in thanking Chris for his many achievements at the University and in wishing him the best of luck in the future."