Aaron Russell, PhD
Aaron Russell is a research social scientist working with the U.S. Geological Survey at the Southwest Biological Science Center in Flagstaff. Aaron's research program supports efforts to improve wildfire risk assessment on Department of Interior lands and other complex landscapes.
Originally from Los Lunas, New Mexico, Aaron has degrees in Environmental Science and Geography from the University of New Mexico and a Doctorate in Water Science and Policy from the University of Delaware. His research interests include land management decision making on complex landscapes, social network analysis, environmental communication, and adaptation under increasing ecological uncertainty.
Professional Experience
Social Scientist – U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center: present
Post-Doctoral Fellow – Oklahoma State University, Natural Resources Ecology and Management: 2021-2023
Research Assistant – University of Delaware, Center for Research in Wind: 2017-2021
Program Analyst Intern – Department of Energy, Office of Technology Transitions: 2019
Education and Certifications
2021 – PhD., Water Science and Policy, University of Delaware
2017 – MS, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico
2014 – BS, Environmental Science, University of New Mexico
Science and Products
Adapting wildfire risk assessment for a Tribal landscape: Mount Baldy and the Fort Apache Reservation in Arizona Adapting wildfire risk assessment for a Tribal landscape: Mount Baldy and the Fort Apache Reservation in Arizona
Non-USGS Publications**
Russell, A., Joshi, O., & Weir, J., 2025, Social Capital in State Prescribed Burn Networks: Comparing North Carolina and Oklahoma Cases: Society & Natural Resources, v. 38, no. 6, p. 606-625, https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920.2025.2453989
Russell, A., Fontana, N., Hoecker, T., Kamanu, A., Majumder, R., Stephens, J., Young, A. M., Cravens, A. E., Giardina, C., Hiers, K., Jeremy, L., & Terando, A. J., 2024, A fire-use decision model to improve the United States’ wildfire management and support climate change adaptation: Cell Reports Sustainability, v. 1, no. 6, 100125, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crsus.2024.100125
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
USGS Wildfire Hazard and Risk Assessment Clearinghouse USGS Wildfire Hazard and Risk Assessment Clearinghouse
Science and Products
Adapting wildfire risk assessment for a Tribal landscape: Mount Baldy and the Fort Apache Reservation in Arizona Adapting wildfire risk assessment for a Tribal landscape: Mount Baldy and the Fort Apache Reservation in Arizona
Non-USGS Publications**
Russell, A., Joshi, O., & Weir, J., 2025, Social Capital in State Prescribed Burn Networks: Comparing North Carolina and Oklahoma Cases: Society & Natural Resources, v. 38, no. 6, p. 606-625, https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920.2025.2453989
Russell, A., Fontana, N., Hoecker, T., Kamanu, A., Majumder, R., Stephens, J., Young, A. M., Cravens, A. E., Giardina, C., Hiers, K., Jeremy, L., & Terando, A. J., 2024, A fire-use decision model to improve the United States’ wildfire management and support climate change adaptation: Cell Reports Sustainability, v. 1, no. 6, 100125, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crsus.2024.100125
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.