Abstract:  Growing empirical evidence demonstrates the ways in which nature contact may be a source of improved psychological wellbeing for urbanites, but the existing literature is dominated by cross-sectional designs and self-report assessments. Sara Perrins will discuss recent and ongoing projects within the Environment and Wellbeing Lab at the University of Washington’s School of Environmental and Forest Sciences that address these gaps through rigorous study designs, investigations into causal pathways and moderators of effects, and the use of objective assessment methods. Together, these integrated approaches aim to increase our understanding of the health benefits of nature, motivate future research, and inform policy in ways that connect people to nature and support conservation efforts as well.

Bio: Sara Park Perrins is a PhD candidate at the University of Washington School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. As a member of the Environment and Wellbeing Lab (PI: Dr. Greg Bratman), Sara’s experimental work studies the effects of different environmental exposures on human health, with a particular interest in stress and stress-related outcomes. Sara uses a mixture of methodologies including ecological momentary assessment, psychophysiology, self-report, and biomarker measurements. Sara holds a master’s degree in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Note: please bring your own lunch