Email
jdavis4@wpi.edu
Office
100 Institute Road
Education
BA Psychology Wilfrid Laurier University 2009
MS Integrated Water Resources Management McGill University 2012
MA Environmental Studies Ben Gurion University 2013
PhD Geography Memorial University of Newfoundland 2017

John-Michael holds a diverse academic background with degrees in psychology, water management, environmental studies, and geography – which rightly embodies the interdisciplinary approach to research cultivated in the DIGS. His work follows a common theme that values community-driven and action oriented research to address complex development challenges related to sustainable livelihoods, informal economies, waste management, environmental contamination, community representation, and INGO legitimacy. Involving communities and local stakeholders within all phases of the research process is fundamental in his work. This builds momentum to empower communities to achieve greater social and environmental justice during and beyond research projects. Over the past eight years, John-Michael has investigated and improved the economic and environmental conditions of North-to-South e-waste trade and informal e-waste economies across the global South – with extensive fieldwork in the Israeli-Palestinian e-waste system. His award-winning research has been widely published in academic journals, featured in national and international media outlets, and directly influenced policy decisions.

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 1: No Poverty

SDG 1: No Poverty - End poverty in all its forms everywhere

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SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation - Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

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Preview Clean Water and Sanitation Goal

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - Reduce inequality within and among countries

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SDG 13: Climate Action

SDG 13: Climate Action - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

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SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

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Preview Partnerships for the Goals