The URI Marine Affairs Department welcomes new Assistant Professor, Dr. Lisa Hiwasaki.  Dr. Hiwasaki is an interdisciplinary social scientist who studies vulnerability and resilience of marginalized communities in the global South.  She brings to MAF 20 years of experience as an international development professional, where she worked with the UN and international research organizations, initiating and leading interdisciplinary research and scientific projects in the broad field of environment and development. She is passionate about promoting sustainable equitable development using collaborative and participatory approaches, to increase the resilience of marginalized populations, in particular: indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, and women. Integrity and respect for diversity are key values which she promotes through her research and in her personal life. 

Dr. Hiwasaki’s next research program will be on the interface between global changes and sustainable equitable development.  She will analyze how Southeast Asian States understand and implement global processes such as the Sustainable Development Goals.  Her field research in coastal areas of Southeast Asia will use the political ecology lens, and will explore how marginalized groups are impacted by changes in their surroundings, and how these groups negotiate their situation vis-à-vis development under such changes.

This spring, Dr. Hiwasaki is teaching MAF 350: Introduction to Global Issues In Sustainable Development.

Dr. Hiwasaki earned her PhD in International Development from Yokohama National University, MA in anthropology from the University of British Columbia, and BA in sociology and anthropology from Carleton College, in Minnesota.  During her career she has worked and lived in Japan, France, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Canada.  She is excited to be move back to the US with her two children to discover the Atlantic Northeast region and to expand their horizons.