Tarla Peterson
Dr. Tarla Rai Peterson (PhD, Washington State University) came to UTEP in fall of 2015. Previously, she served as a professor at Texas A&M University, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and the University of Utah. She has built a research program around intersections between communication, policy, and democratic practice. She brings a rhetorical perspective to studying how these three dimensions enable/constrain policy options and public life on Earth. Her professional goal is to facilitate the emergence and implementation of policy that contributes to more sustainable ways of living.
"I have developed an active Theory to Practice Program that includes design and evaluation of best practices for facilitating public participation in issues related to energy and environmental policy." - Tarla Rai Peterson
Recent books include:
- Environmental Communication and Community: Constructive and destructive dynamics of social transformation (Routledge).
- Environmental Conflict Management (Sage).
- Smart Grid (R)Evolution: Electric Power Struggles (Cambridge UP)
At UTEP Prof. Peterson works with UTEP's collaborative master's program with the non-governmental organization, RARE, based in Washington, D.C. Rare develops and implements conservation campaigns to protect endangered species and their habitats in more than 40 countries. All campaigns include participation of local residents, as well as training and education for local students who earn M.A. degrees from the Department of Communication at UTEP. Dr. Peterson coordinates the new Rare-UTEP training program for conservation campaigns in Mozambique.
Contact Info:
Tarla Rai Peterson, Ph.D.
Quinn Hall 211
Dept. of Communication
trpeterson@utep.edu
(915) 747.5913
