The Transformation Network
2021-Present

The Transformation Network (TN) aims to build resilient communities and ecosystems throughout the Intermountain Western United States. It represents a partnership between eight Western U.S. universities with over 50 partner organizations representing Tribal partners, governmental and non-governmental organizations, public utilities, conservation districts, irrigation districts, and municipalities.

Photo: The Transformation Network

Project Investigators

Photo: Melinda Morgan

Melinda Morgan

Faculty, Sustainability Studies, Geography & Environmental Studies

Photo: Lani Tsinnajinnie

Lani Tsinnajinnie

School of Architecture & Planning; Community and Regional Planning

Photo: Yolanda C. Lin

Yolanda C. Lin

Geography & Environmental Studies

Photo: Alex Webster

Alex Webster

Research Assistant Professor

Photo: Manuel Montoya

Manuel Montoya

Anderson School of Management; Organizational Studies

Photo: Benjamin P. Warner

Benjamin P. Warner

Sustainability Studies Program Associate Director, Geography & Environmental Studies

Photo: Marygold Walsh-Dilley

Marygold Walsh-Dilley

Geography & Environmental Studies


A Trans-disciplinary & Trans-institutional Effort

Several affiliated faculty and the Rio Grande Research Collaborative are part of the Transformation Network. SUST faculty member and former director Melinda Morgan is leading a $15 million, five-year project funded by the National Science Foundation that engages eight universities and their communities in the American Intermountain West to address the impacts of climate change, including drought, wildfires and community well-being. The TN represents a partnership between eight Western U.S. universities with over 50 partner organizations representing tribal partners, governmental and non-governmental organizations, public utilities, conservation districts, irrigation districts, and municipalities.

This is a transdisciplinary research effort that represents diverse communities, sectors, disciplines, and backgrounds and is aimed at improving resilience for headwater dependent communities, including the Rio Grande watershed. This work is also associated with the Interdisciplinary Science Cooperative