UMD Graduate Innovative Research in Nature-Based Solutions and Environmental Economics Paves the Way for Future Leaders
Dr. Youngho (Young) Kim, a 2024 Ph.D. graduate from the University of Maryland’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC), has received the prestigious 2024 Wallace E. Oates Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award from the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (AERE). His groundbreaking dissertation, Essays on the Design and Evaluation of Payments for Ecosystem Services Programs, explores innovative economic policies that utilize nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change and restore ecosystems.
Dr. Kim’s research integrates advanced economic modeling, biophysical analyses, and real-world data to evaluate how Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) programs can improve water quality, sequester carbon, and enhance the resilience of agricultural communities in the face of extreme weather events. His work not only provides novel insights into the effectiveness of PES programs but also contributes significantly to the development of sustainable policies that bridge academic research and practical implementation.
In his own words, Dr. Kim attributes much of his success to the exceptional mentorship provided by his Ph.D. advisors—Professors Erik Lichtenberg, David Newburn, and Erich Battistin—and to the collaborative, supportive research environment at UMD AREC. Their guidance was instrumental in refining his analytical approach and fostering a research culture that emphasizes real-world impact and innovative problem solving.
Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Kim began his postdoctoral work at the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics and the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery. His ongoing research there focuses on the design and evaluation of ecosystem services programs aimed at protecting and restoring biodiversity. In August 2025, he will join the University of Florida as an Assistant Professor of Environmental and Resource Economics, where he plans to continue merging rigorous research with development.
Dr. Kim’s remarkable achievement serves as an inspiration for prospective undergraduate and graduate students considering careers in environmental economics. His success story underscores AREC’s commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders equipped to address complex environmental challenges through innovative research and strategic policy solutions.
