Owen Cortner
Senior Research Fellow, Environmental Economics
Owen is excited to support NiuNature after experiencing the wonder of Papua New Guinea for the first time in June 2024 on honeymoon with his wife. Building from past work on the economics and institutions surrounding land conservation and rural livelihoods, he looks forward to co-producing research in the field that informs just transitions in PNG and around the world.
An environmental social scientist, Owen just wrapped up a postdoc at the Yale School of the Environment. He works closely with farmers, agriculture and forestry agencies, and NGOs to design projects with a mix of data and methods.
Research and projects ought to be in conversation with communities and should value knowledge from unexpected corners.
When not doing research or laughing at his cats, Owen is hiking, snowboarding, kayaking/SUP, reading, composting, or running.