At Columbia University, Amanda conducted groundbreaking research on the intersection of climate change and mental health, shedding light on the psychological consequences of human-induced environmental destruction. Her work explores how industrial systems, driven by capitalism and colonial legacies, have not only fueled environmental degradation but also exacerbated psychological distress, particularly among vulnerable populations who bear the brunt of climate impacts. She argues that these crises are locked in a self-perpetuating feedback loop, where ecological collapse intensifies mental health struggles, and societal disconnection from nature hinders meaningful climate action.

Her dissertation, The Climate Zeitgeist, integrates eco-psychology and Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK) to advocate for climate literacy and comprehensive policy reform. By examining psychoterratic conditions—such as eco-anxiety, solastalgia, ecocide, and environmental PTSD—Amanda’s research illustrates the urgent need to reframe our relationship with the planet through cognitive, cultural, and systemic transformation. She introduces new linguistic frameworks, including ecological identity, ecological culture, and ecological consciousness, to inspire a shift toward an ecocentric worldview. Her work also explores Indigenous models of sustainability as policy solutions, recognizing the resilience embedded in ITEK-based environmental stewardship.

Amanda’s research has received significant recognition, leading to an invitation to present her findings to Dr. Anthony Fauci. She also spoke at the United Nations Summit of the Future, where she contributed to high-level discussions on climate, mental health, and global sustainability efforts. Her expertise in climate psychology and policy reform continues to shape strategies across multiple sectors, including corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors. By bridging environmental justice, mental health advocacy, and global policy, Amanda is driving impactful change in how societies understand and respond to the climate crisis.