Meet the A2SI Team
Deidra Miniard
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.
Email: deidra.miniard@austin.utexas.edu
Office: SRH 3.346
Patrick Bixler
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.
Sustainability Science, Policy, and Governance Research Group
Miles Baker
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. His research with A2SI explores emergency preparedness and food security.
Yuer Wang
Yuer Wang is a Ph.D. student in Public Policy at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, studying urban climate governance and resilience planning. Her research explores how communities and local stakeholders perceive climate risks and identifies opportunities for evidence-based, equity-centered policy and planning. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning from UC Davis, as well as an M.S. in Environment and Sustainability and M.P.P. from the University of Michigan.
Qwynne Remeny
Qwynne Remeny is a volunteer contributing to the A2SI project. She recently earned her B.S. in Sociology with a concentration in Health and Medicine, and a minor in Energy & Sustainability from the University of Houston. Her research has explored how the city, industry, and communities address environmental justice issues. As a prospective student, Qwynne hopes to join the Master of Public Affairs program at the LBJ School.