About the FEWsLab
Sustainability, Systems, and Environmental Ethics
The FEWsLab investigates the structure and function of interconnections across food, energy, and water systems. Our research integrates network modeling, socio-technical data, and ethical analysis to advance sustainability and environmental resilience. We strive to bridge the gap between fundamental scientific inquiry and actionable policy solutions that address pressing global challenges.
Who We Are
The FEWsLab is led by Dr. Caitlin Grady, Associate Professor of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering at George Washington University and Nonresident Fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Dr. Grady brings a combination of academic, policy, and government experience. She has previously served as a faculty member at Penn State, a policy analyst at the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Energy, and as a Legislative Assistant in the U.S. Congress.
Our lab thrives thanks to a talented and diverse team of researchers, students, and collaborators who share a commitment to sustainability and interdisciplinary inquiry.
Research
Our research is supported by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other institutional partners. We pursue interdisciplinary projects that address complex sustainability challenges through systems thinking, data-driven modeling, and policy-relevant analysis.
News and Highlights
- Dr. Grady was named a Nonresident Fellow by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs for her expertise in global food systems, climate change, and sustainability.
- She was featured in national media coverage discussing the impacts of drought on electricity production and energy prices.
- In collaboration with PhD student Lauren Dennis, Dr. Grady authored a piece exploring the intersection of climate change and hydropower.
- She is also a lead author of the American Society of Civil Engineers 2022 Pennsylvania Infrastructure Report Card.