Our Team
The Rural Livability Project
This project uses mixed-method approaches to better understand what makes rural places thrive. By identifying the key factors that support thriving rural communities, we aim to inform policies and practices that foster long-term well-being across diverse rural landscapes.
We are a multi-disciplinary, multi-method team of researchers committed to understanding and enhancing rural livability through innovative, community-centered approaches.
Tessa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics and Community Economic Development Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses broadly on regional economic development, with a focus on rural communities and key aspects of rural vitality.
Andrew Van Leuven is an assistant professor at the University of Vermont in the Department of Community Development & Applied Economics. His research and teaching focus on community entrepreneurship, regional development, and revitalization efforts that strengthen local economies and foster sustainable growth.
Danielle is a PhD Candidate in Sociology/Community & Environmental Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research uses mixed-methods to explore the social implications of land tenure and use in rural communities.
Inder Majumdar is a PhD student in the Agricultural and Applied Economics Department at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research examines how policies shape the strategic behavior of firms and the economic vitality and resilience of rural communities.
Matt is a Community Economic Development Specialist with the Community Development Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. He performs outreach and research focusing on workforce development and regional competitiveness.
Erin is a PhD student in the Agricultural and Applied Economics Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research interests include local governance, community resilience and vitality, and inclusive stewardship of natural resources.
Todd co-leads the Community Vitality and Placemaking Team and Housing Research Group at the University of Wisconsin–Extension. He partners with public, private, and non-profit sectors to provide enhanced public participation and visioning programs that help communities make informed decisions that protect and enhance their quality of life.
Erin is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Sociology department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research uses qualitative methods to examine the social dimensions and health implications of housing insecurity in rural communities.
Steve is a Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor in the Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics and Community Economic Development Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Katherine Cramer is the Natalie C. Holton Chair of Letters & Science and the Virginia Sapiro Professor of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her current work focuses on the implications of experience in the economy on political behavior.
Maggie kick-started and leads the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference in Wisconsin. She also has designed engaging public programming focused on immigration law, agritourism, and rural business models to grow rural entrepreneurship in Wisconsin.
Yang Cheng is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her work focuses on regional economics, rural development, and workforce transitions during economic change.
Mckenzie is an Assistant Professor of Community and Rural Development in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Oklahoma State University. Her research focuses on quality of life and understanding how local amenities influence location decisions.