Contacts

Edward Whitney

Edward Whitney
Postdoctoral Researcher - Applied economics
The health of our ecosystems and the security of human livelihoods are two sides of the same coin. Biological invasions disrupt the delicate balance between the natural resources we share and the well-being of the communities that depend on them. I look forward to contributing to the synthesis of our understanding of these coupled systems within FISC to build a more resilient future for both nature and people.

Specialization

Applied economics, with a focus on systems-based approaches to policy design, livelihoods, natural resource management, and climate resilience. His work integrates quantitative modelling, survey-based research, and impact evaluation to inform evidence-based decision-making in diverse socio-ecological contexts.

Educational & Professional Background

Education

  • PhD in Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Davis (2024).
    Research spanning environmental policy evaluation, local economy impacts of policy interventions and nature-based tourism, and fisheries management.
  • MA in International Development, American University, Washington, D.C. (2012).
  • BS in Economics, University of Utah (2006), Magna cum Laude.

Professional Experience

Extensive international experience working at the interface of economics, policy, and environmental management.

  • Consultant (2024–present)
    Designs research projects, survey instruments, and analytical strategies for organisations working in poverty reduction, access to technology, and gender norms. Conducts statistical analyses to support intervention design and stakeholder decision-making.
  • Graduate Student Researcher, University of California, Davis (2017–2023)
  • Research Analyst, International Food Policy Research Institute (2012–2015)
    Contributed to large-scale studies of rural households, survey implementation, data analysis, and policy-focused publications.
  • He has also taught university-level courses in econometrics, policy evaluation, microeconomics, and economic development, and has co-authored peer-reviewed publications in Food Policy, PLOS ONE, and the Journal of African Economies.

At Forest Risk Research Centre

As a member of the Forest Invasion Synthesis Centre, Prague (FISC), he brings an economic perspective to research on biological invasions, focusing on how socio-economic systems interact with ecological dynamics. His work supports synthesis efforts that bring together ecological data, research on livelihoods and policy impacts, and economic modelling to improve the understanding and management of biological invasions.

Beyond Science

I like to travel and I am looking forward to learning more about Czechia and Czech culture and life. I also enjoy playing pocket billiards and spending time with cats and walking in nature.

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