About Us

Deidra Miniard is a Research Associate with the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, serving as the director of the A2SI project. Dr. Miniard earned her doctorate in Environmental Science from Indiana University Bloomington, where her work focused on energy system transitions and understanding climate change attitudes, cognition, and behavior. Her current research focuses on urban sustainability, community resilience, and perceptions of climate change and environmental hazards. She is interested in understanding how to inform equitable climate mitigation and adaptation solutions.

Patrick Bixler is an Assistant Professor at the LBJ School of Public Affairs with a joint appointment in the Community and Regional Planning program in the School of Architecture. He contributes to the work of Planet Texas 2050 and serves as a core faculty member of the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service. His research focuses on climate and environmental governance, urban sustainability and resilience, hazard preparedness and response, and network science. Dr. Bixler is interested in how public, private, and nonprofit institutions collaborate to solve complex social and environmental problems and promote social innovation.

Miles Baker recently earned a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Science from Furman University. His academic focus lies at the intersection of sustainability and justice within urban environments. His research has explored how city climate action plans integrate justice considerations. Miles is joining our team as a first-year graduate student in the Master of Public Affairs program at the LBJ School.