Christy Miller Hesed is an environmental anthropologist and conservation biologist whose work focuses on actionable science to address complex social-ecological challenges. As a Research Scientist III with the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) and the Actionable Science Lead for the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (NC CASC), she conducts interdisciplinary research and works with scientists, natural resource managers, Tribal Nations, and rural communities to support climate adaptation that aligns with effective resource management and thriving communities across the North Central region. 

Grounded in the theoretical tenets of environmental justice, social-ecological resilience, and place-based adaptation, Christy applies participatory and mixed-method approaches—including ethnographic fieldwork and stakeholder-engaged planning—to support community-informed adaptation. Her recent work has included exploring social-ecological connections in Kansas, supporting climate adaptation and capacity-building with Tribal Nations, and synthesizing science to inform management of grassland and sagebrush biomes in a changing climate.

Christy serves on the NC CASC Leadership Team and as the NC CASC Actionable Science Lead. She leads the Actionable Science Working Group (composed of all NC CASC Consortium Partners) in both capacity-building and research to improve shared knowledge and skills in conducting actionable science. Prior to joining the NC CASC, her work focused on community resilience and adaptation to sea-level rise on Maryland's Chesapeake Bay. She is a former EPA STAR Fellow.