Zebrowski
Wesley Zebrowski, PhD
Exploring Agriculture, Policy, and the Environment
Wesley Zebrowski is a first-year assistant professor in the School of Environmental Sustainability. Zebrowski hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and they received their PhD in public affairs from Indiana University, Bloomington. Their research is on the economic, social, and environmental consequences of agricultural policy. Specifically, their research focuses on agricultural land conservation through the Conservation Reserve Program and equity in the structure and administration of agricultural programs. Zebrowski is also very interested in farmer networks and food transportation supply chains.
Wesley Zebrowski joined the SES faculty as an assistant professor in fall 2024. Their research explores the economic, social, and environmental consequences of environmental policy.
What drew you to this position in SES?
SES has a truly impressive commitment to the environment, which feels unparalleled for institutions of a similar size and endowment. I was drawn to such a mission-oriented school and faculty. In addition, I was impressed by how faculty members can extend their work to the Chicago community. I think that a sense of place and giving back is important for academic institutions. Luckily, this position at SES also allows me to teach great classes in my subject expertise. Also, Chicago is a wonderful city, and I am really in my element when there is fantastic local food. Locally made tofu and roti? Amazing!
What are you looking forward to about your new role?
There is a lot to look forward to. I think what excites me most is mentoring students in research, and I am greatly looking forward to being able to offer some research opportunities. Additionally, as a Queer person, I am looking forward to supporting students from groups underrepresented in academia and welcoming such perspectives into class. When I was an undergrad, I received a lot of guidance and support from my own mentor. Without that support, I think I would be on a very different career path.
Which classes will you be teaching?
I will teach ENVS 310 Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy and ENVS 311 Natural Resource and Land Use Law and Policy.
Is there anything you'd like to share about your life outside of work?
My fun fact is that my hobby gig is designing tabletop roleplaying games, kind of like Dungeons & Dragons. There is an excellent indie scene, particularly here in Chicago, and I'm very excited to be able to start engaging with it.
What drew you to this position in SES?
SES has a truly impressive commitment to the environment, which feels unparalleled for institutions of a similar size and endowment. I was drawn to such a mission-oriented school and faculty. In addition, I was impressed by how faculty members can extend their work to the Chicago community. I think that a sense of place and giving back is important for academic institutions. Luckily, this position at SES also allows me to teach great classes in my subject expertise. Also, Chicago is a wonderful city, and I am really in my element when there is fantastic local food. Locally made tofu and roti? Amazing!
What are you looking forward to about your new role?
There is a lot to look forward to. I think what excites me most is mentoring students in research, and I am greatly looking forward to being able to offer some research opportunities. Additionally, as a Queer person, I am looking forward to supporting students from groups underrepresented in academia and welcoming such perspectives into class. When I was an undergrad, I received a lot of guidance and support from my own mentor. Without that support, I think I would be on a very different career path.
Which classes will you be teaching?
I will teach ENVS 310 Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy and ENVS 311 Natural Resource and Land Use Law and Policy.
Is there anything you'd like to share about your life outside of work?
My fun fact is that my hobby gig is designing tabletop roleplaying games, kind of like Dungeons & Dragons. There is an excellent indie scene, particularly here in Chicago, and I'm very excited to be able to start engaging with it.