Dr. Theresa Frei

Theresa takes an interdisciplinary approach to environmental governance, drawing on political science and sociology and applying qualitative research methods. 

She earned her PhD from the University of Bonn, focusing on discourses and governance of natural forest expansion on abandoned farmland in Southwestern Europe. Her research examines discourse, perception, and policy in forest management, land-use change, and conservation approaches such as rewilding. She focuses on how diverse actors engage with forests, interact with one another, and participate in governance processes, with the research aim of supporting sustainable and equitable forest management and use. 

At EFI, she has contributed to numerous national and international projects as both researcher and project manager. Theresa also serves as an associate editor of People and Nature.