Tyler J. Lark, Ph.D.

Bio

Tyler Lark is a scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE), where he leads research on U.S. agricultural land-use change and its impacts on our nation’s land and water resources. He received his Ph.D. from UW-Madison’s Nelson Institute Environment & Resources program for his research on America’s changing Food and Fuel-Scapes and today continues to explore issues at the intersection of land use, bioenergy, and food production.

About me

I'm passionate about finding solutions to the grand challenges our food and agricultural systems face and finding opportunities to reconcile agricultural production with conservation and climate goals. I'm also inspired by working with students to implement their ideas into action, particularly through mentored research projects and classes I've helped develop and teach.

My background is in engineering, and prior to joining SAGE in January 2012, I worked as an environmental materials researcher for a consumer products company, supported development of an alternative biofuel stove and associated land use strategy to promote waste utilization and reforestation, and served for 2 years as a project lead for the Madison chapter of Engineers Without Borders implementing clean water, energy, and irrigation projects in Haiti.

Outside of work I love spending my time outdoors camping with my wife and our two young kids, hunting, or gardening with our chickens (who happen to be much better at it than I!). Having grown up on a small farm and experiencing the intersection of agriculture and conservation on a daily basis, I’m excited to be able to now work in this high-impact field with avid opportunities to influence science, policy, and practice for the betterment of the environment and those who rely on it.