Dr. Stuart Carlton is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University and Director of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. His work focuses on the human dimensions of environmental challenges—specifically how people understand, trust, and respond to science in the context of natural resource management and environmental change. At ISF, he is co-lead of the Great Lakes Science Initiative.
Stuart Carlton
Research Assistant Professor of Forestry and Natural Resources, Co-Lead of Great Lakes Science Initiative
Education
Ph.D., Interdisciplinary Ecology – University of Florida M.S., Fisheries Biology – University of Georgia B.A., English (Minor: Biology) – Tulane University
Research Interests
Dr. Carlton’s research centers on the intersection of science, communication, and human behavior in environmental and natural resource contexts. His work explores:
- Trust in science and scientists
- Risk perception and environmental decision-making
- Public attitudes toward climate change and environmental issues
- Science communication and stakeholder engagement
He applies social science methods to better understand how individuals and communities interpret environmental information, particularly in complex and often contested areas such as climate change, conservation, and resource management.
Research Impact
Dr. Carlton’s work advances the ability of scientists, policymakers, and organizations to communicate effectively and build trust with diverse audiences. His research provides practical insights into how communication strategies influence public understanding, behavior, and support for environmental initiatives. Through his leadership in Sea Grant and applied research efforts, he contributes to more effective, community-informed natural resource management, helping bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world decision-making across Great Lakes and coastal systems.