SGSUP Colloquium Series: Matt Browning, Clemson University

Join us for a compelling talk on the power of nature in enhancing community resilience. This talk explores extensive research showing how parks and urban trees serve as vital social infrastructure, enhancing social capital, mitigating aggression, and reducing inequities. Key studies will be highlighted, including groundbreaking research on greenness reducing fatal police shootings in the U.S. and early findings from the Taylor Homes public housing project on the positive impact of trees. Matt Browning will conclude with a forward-looking agenda on the implications for urban planning and societal investments, emphasizing the role of nature in creating cohesive, peaceful communities.
 

About the speaker: 

Matthew Browning is an associate professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at Clemson University and a globally recognized scholar investigating the impact of nature on human health. His research aims to optimize nature-based solutions, measure nature exposure, and promote sustainability and nature-human interactions through urban greening and technology. He has authored over 125 peer-reviewed publications and is ranked among the most productive and cited researchers in the fields of nature and health based on recent PubMed metrics. He Co-Directs the Virtual Reality & Nature Lab, which leverages VR to provide simulated experiences to change attitudes and behaviors surrounding climate change as well as provide health-promoting experiences for people unable to safely travel outside. He also acts as the Scientific Advisor for NatureQuant, developer of the personalized nature prescription app, NatureDoseTM.