James Fleming

James FlemingFleming_James
Professor of Science, Technology and Society
Colby College

What problem/s are you working to solve?
How can we connect knowledge to action and enhance stakeholder engagement by defining, creating, and sharing sense of place?

What progress are you making toward solutions?
SSI work in the Belgrade Lakes region in 2010-11 has demonstrated the power of defining, creating, and sharing sense of place.  Connecting knowledge of lake science and a shared understanding of history with local action by empowering stakeholders is eminently exportable to other watersheds.

How could your findings contribute to a more sustainable future in Maine and beyond?
People don’t care what you know unless they know that you care. So we are the “caring” team—more humanistic than natural or social science oriented—who can bring together experiences of history, geography, and personal testimony while translating lake and watershed science into personal commitment and community action.

Why did you decide to join SSI?
It was a perfect fit with my field of Science, Technology, and Society and environmental history with a major state and local effort.

What’s the best part about collaborating on SSI research projects?
Working with people like Maggie Shannon and Pete Kallin of the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance, faculty colleagues, and Colby students (like Erin Love) to make a diverse, inter-generational team that can make a difference.

Where’s your favorite place in Maine?
“Pickerel heaven” —favorite fishing spot

What’s your ultimate Maine experience?
Being in Pickerel heaven with a line in the water about 30 minutes after finishing work.

Mud season survival strategy?
Go somewhere for a visit.

What sustains you?
God, family, friends (in that order).

Additional information about Mark and his team