Nicole Darnall

Nicole Darnall is a prominent academic and researcher in the field of sustainability, currently serving as the Foundation Professor of Management and Public Policy at American University. She holds the Arlene R. and Robert P. Kogod Eminent Scholar Chair in Sustainability, with appointments in both the Kogod School of Business and the School of Public Affairs. Previously, she was a Foundation Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty Success and Strategic Initiatives at Arizona State University (ASU), where she also co-founded the Sustainable Purchasing Research Initiative.125

Darnall's research focuses on sustainability behaviors within organizations, examining how structural and technological factors, as well as incentives, influence sustainability transformations. She has made significant contributions to understanding non-regulatory governance approaches, such as voluntary programs and certifications, that encourage sustainable practices without state coercion.134

Her academic credentials include a PhD in Public Policy Analysis from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, along with master's degrees in Policy Development from Vanderbilt University and Economics from the University of Texas at Arlington. She also holds a bachelor's degree in Economics and Psychology from New Mexico State University.34

Throughout her career, Darnall has received numerous accolades for her scholarly work, including best paper awards from prestigious organizations like the Academy of Management and the Decision Science Institute. She is an elected Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and has held various editorial roles in leading academic journals.24 In addition to her academic achievements, she serves on the U.S. General Services Administration’s Acquisition Policy Federal Advisory Committee, advising on integrating sustainability into federal procurement practices.25

Prior to her academic career, Darnall worked as an economist for the U.S. Forest Service, which laid the foundation for her commitment to sustainability and environmental management.15