Scott Spak

About Scott Spak

Professor Spak uses urban and Earth Systems models to study climate, energy, and air quality and works with local, state, and national government to implement integrated decision support in policy and planning. He is an Investigator and Research Translation Coordinator for the Iowa Superfund Research Program.

Areas of Expertise

Environmental Planning and Resource Management, Technology, Society and Analytical Methods, International Development Planning, Food Systems, Community Health and Safety, Land Use Planning and Governance

Selected Publications

L. Yoder, A.S. Ward, S.N. Spak, K.E. Dalrymple (2020). Local government perspectives on collaborative watershed governance: a comparative approach of Iowa’s Watershed Management Authorities, Policy Studies Journal, 49(4), 1087-1109, doi:10.1111/psj.12389.

L. Yoder, A.S. Ward, K.E. Dalrymple, S.N. Spak, R. Lave (2019). An analysis of conservation practice adoption studies in agricultural human-natural systems, Journal of Environmental Management 236, 490-498, doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.02.009.

C.E. Shanahan, S.N. Spak, A. Martinez, K.C. Hornbuckle (2015). Inventory of PCBs in Chicago and opportunities for reduction in airborne emissions and human exposure. Environmental Science & Technology 49, 13878–13888, doi:10.1021/acs.est.5b00906.

M.L. Grabow, S.N. Spak, T. Holloway, B. Stone, A.C. Mednick, J.A. Patz (2012). Air quality and exercise-related health benefits from reduced car travel in the Midwestern United States. Environmental Health Perspectives 120, 68-76, doi:10.1289/ehp.1103440.

Recent Courses Taught

Systems and Scenario Thinking, Environmental Policy and Management, Envisioning Regenerative Cities, Sustainable Communities Lab