Amber James

Amber James is a PhD student in the Department of Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning (LARP). She is currently a LARP Graduate Teaching Assistant, a Peer Advisor for Sustainable Community Development students, and a recipient of the University’s Research Enhancement and Leadership Fellowship.

Prior to joining LARP’s PhD program, Amber obtained a B.Sc. in International Agriculture & Rural Development and an M.P.A. in Environmental Policy & International Development from Cornell University. In 2023, she received certifications in advanced permaculture design for climate resilience from Oregon State University. She is also an alumna of the U.S. Peace Corps, U.S. Fulbright Public Policy Fellowship, and School for International Training. 

In the past decade, Amber consulted for numerous international organizations, including the World Bank, US Agency for International Development, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, United Nations, and US Departments of Agriculture and State.

Areas of Expertise

Political ecology, rural development, environmental planning, land-use planning, systems evaluation, informal settlements, climate migration, forced displacement 

Research Interests

During her 2024-2025 Fulbright Fellowship in Rwanda, Amber James’ research focused on polycentric governance and the integration of ecosystem-based adaptation strategies into planning government resettlements. She is expounding on this research during her PhD with focuses on climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and collectivism in displacement spaces, including refugee colonies and tribal reservations. She also has an interest in the implications of climatic and environmental changes on migration and habitation.