Crista L Straub, PhD

Dr. Straub is a social scientist in the National Land Imaging Program and the Social and Economic Analysis Branch at the United States Geological Survey.  Crista earned a PhD in interdisciplinary human dimensions of natural resources from the University of Maine’s Ecology & Environmental Science Program in 2012.  Her current research focuses on the human dimensions of Earth observations – investigating the users, uses, and value of Earth observation data.  This research includes assisting federal agencies with the economic valuation of nonmarketed resources including satellite imagery.  Her research methods comprise primary mixed methods data collection using such tools as focus groups, socioeconomic surveys, in-depth interviews, participant observation, case studies, and social network analysis.  Crista recently started a new Earth observation user study with SilvaCarbon – investigating gender barriers with forest carbon monitoring.  She is also a member of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Working Group – Capacity Development.  Crista’s research interests also include environmental behaviors, attitudes, social capital, and community resilience across landscapes using social psychology, communication, and health theories.