Michael Rendon, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Sociology and Political Science
Areas of Expertise:
- Population and consumption
- Circular economy
- Informal recycling sector
- Public policy
Education
- Ph.D., Sociology, Universitat Autonomo de Barcelona, 2020
- M.A., Political Science, University of Colorado Denver, 2016
- B.A., Population Studies, Fort Lewis College, 2000
About Dr. Michael Rendon
Michael is interested in the sociopolitical relationships between humans and the natural world, specifically regarding extractive industries, material consumption, and resource recovery. His academic work focuses on waste policy and the global informal recycling sector.
Michael is a former mayor of Durango, CO, where he promoted sustainability, affordable housing, and practiced the art of listening. He is also very proud to have been the first male director of the Sexual Assault Services Organization (SASO), the rape crisis center in Durango. As both a graduate of Fort Lewis College and the previous coordinator of the Fort Lewis College Environmental Center, Michael is excited to be back on campus!
Publications
Rendon, Michael; Espluga-Trenc, Josep; and Verd, Joan-Miquel. (2021). "Assessing the functional relationship between the formal and informal waste systems: A case-study in Catalonia (Spain)." Waste Management.
Rendon, Michael; Porras Bulla, Julián; and Espluga Trenc, Josep. (2021). "Policing the stigma in our waste: what we know about informal waste pickers in the global north." Local Environment.