I have two interests in Coastal Issues. The first generates from my interest in public opinion about land use issues. I have been working on a project about public opinion on smart growth that would simultaneously preserve environmental resources such as wetlands, forests, and sensitive ecosystems while also providing for housing that meets the needs of today's diverse workforce. This project looks at the trade-offs voters make between thinking about the human element of society and the environmental element.

Second, I have been working with the Department of Labor and Training evaluating their Real Jobs Rhode Island program. Part of this program is developing a "green economy" that harnesses Rhode Island's natural resources and environmental resources for economic development and job growth. I hope to further this relationship with DLT to engage in not just what businesses see as best for job growth but what is also sensible from an environmental preservation standpoint.