Socio-ecological systems Research
The Western Slope Institute is engaged in research that draws from the fields of sustainability education, regenerative development and design, bioregional regeneration, socio-ecological systems, nature-based human development, rites of passage, land-education, and social network analysis.
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Research Agenda Includes:
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Regenerative Socio-ecological Systems Strategies
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Social Network Analysis and Network Weaving
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Regenerative Development and Design Project Outcomes
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Regenerative Human Development Frameworks
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Expand and Refine Dr. Biederman’s Regenerative Socio-ecological Systems Framework for the Design of Place Informed Regenerative Education Programs
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Establish Baseline Watershed Data Related to the Regenerative Development Evaluation Tool and Indicators for the Animas Watershed
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Refine Place Specific Regenerative Indicators for Watershed Management Conduct a Longitudinal Study on the Impacts of the Gap-Semester Regenerative Projects on the Health of the Animas Watershed
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Develop Research to Integrate Regenerative Development and Design Principles into Socioecological Systems Management Within the Animas Watershed
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Establish a Baseline Network Weaving Map of the Social and Ecological Sustainability Organizations Within the Animas Watershed and Facilitate Network Weaving Processes and Measure the Outcomes of These Efforts
You can review Dr. Biederman's complete research developing a Regenerative Socio-ecological Systems Framework for applying regenerative development and design principles to place-informed education in the Animas River Watershed in the Durango, CO area here:
Future research will include a longitudinal study of the state of the socio-ecological system in the Animas River Watershed pre and post the implementation of a Regenerative Educational program based on Dr. Biederman's Regenerative Socio-ecological Systems Framework. Postdocs and current researchers are welcome to inquire about collaboration.
Guided by PhD-led research and established regenerative frameworks, WSI moves beyond the paradigm of "sustainability" toward an active, design-based approach to regional health. We operate at the intersection of theory and practice, utilizing the San Juan Basin as our macro-context and the Animas Watershed as our primary laboratory for intervention and study. An Integrated Approach to Regeneration WSI operates as a tri-functional institute, where each branch informs and strengthens the others: Regenerative Education: Our flagship 16-Credit Field Semester in Regenerative Design offers university students a high-rigor, immersive residency. Students master the A.D.A.P.T. methodology, earning upper-division credits in design, ecology, and systems thinking. Socio-Ecological Research: We conduct longitudinal research on bioregional indicators, identifying the leverage points where design can most effectively evolve the health of the watershed. This research serves as the intellectual foundation for our curriculum. Strategic Consulting: By partnering with regional organizations, municipalities, and land managers, we ensure our projects are grounded in real-world stakeholder needs and professional standards. At WSI, we are not just observing the landscape; we are training the next generation of designers, scientists, and leaders to steward its evolution. Join the Re-generation.
Research
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The Western Slope Institute works to expand the fields of socio-ecological systems and bioregional regeneration research which aims to understand the intricate connections between human societies and the environment.​​​​ The Western Slope Institute work is based on the regenerative development and design principles and methodology put forth by Mang and Haggard (2016), Mang and Reed (2012), the field of Sustainability Education, and Socio-ecological Systems research conducted by Dr. Biederman throughout the Animas River Watershed. This research includes identifying, refining, and measuring regenerative social and ecological indicators within a watershed as well as longitudinal studies on the impacts of ongoing regenerative projects with our various local partners on the health and vitality of the bioregion.
