My Story

I’m excited to be part of the Warren Wilson College community as the Assistant Director of the MS in Applied Climate Studies program. My work is shaped by a deep commitment to climate justice and community-engaged research. My path to this role began in Vermont, where I managed organic farms before pursuing graduate studies in environmental science, law, and policy. My research, culminating in a Ph.D. in Global Development from Cornell, examines the political ecology of mangrove governance in Fiji, focusing on climate adaptation, land tenure, and justice. Beyond academia, I’ve worked with organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Pacific Institute on nature-based solutions and climate policy. At Warren Wilson, I’m eager to support collaborative, place-based learning and guide students in tackling real-world climate challenges. When I’m not working, I can be found hiking, swimming, or immersed in a good book.

Assistant Director of the MACS program, Delilah Griswold, smiles in front of a stone wall.

Education

B.A. in Anthropology, Wheaton College M.A. in Environmental Law & Policy, Vermont Law School M.Sc. in Environmental Science, Yale University Ph.D. in Global Development, Cornell University

Research Interests

Climate Justice, Natural Climate Solutions, Environmental Governance

Courses Taught

  • MCS 501 Residency #1 Introduction to Applied Climate Studies
  • MCS 551/2 Applied Research Project
  • MCS 531 Climate Justice, Economics, and Policy

Crews and Other Activities

  • Working Group Member, Loss and Damage Collaboration
  • Working Group Member, Urban Nature-based Solutions (IUCN)

Contact Dr. Griswold