As an environmental psychologist, Avik tackles sustainability challenges through the lens of human cognition, emotions, behavior, and, in particular, information processing.  His recent work focuses on climate adaptation in the developing world through scenario planning, differences between experts and laypeople in environmental decision-making, the role environments play in depleting and restoring our capacity to pay attention, and designing environments that simultaneously enhance individual and communal well-being. 

Over the last 15 years, he has been part of a collaborative effort to develop a framework, known as Supportive Environments for Effectiveness (formerly called the Reasonable Person Model), to help practitioners from various disciplines create conditions that meet human informational needs. He co-edited/co-authored a book on these topics called Fostering Reasonableness: Supportive Environments for Bringing out our Best. 

Avik’s courses include:

• Social Research Methods for Environment and Sustainability (EAS 641)
• Seminar on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (EAS 501.158)
• SEAS Master’s Project Planning (EAS 701.888)

Since 2015, Avik has directed the University of Michigan delegation to the annual United Nations Climate Conference. He also serves as the faculty advisor for Climate Blue, a student organization that connects international climate policy with local climate action at UM and the surrounding communities.  Avik earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Psychology and a Master’s/Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, all from the University of Michigan.