David Bidwell

Dr. David Bidwell

Affiliate Scholar (Alumni)

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Dr. David Bidwell is an Associate Professor of Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island (USA). Dr. Bidwell employs the methods and theories of environmental sociology to understand attitudes and decision making. His recent work has focused on the human dimensions of offshore wind energy development in the United States and the goals of public participation. He holds a PhD from Michigan State University and a MS from the University of Michigan.

  • 2014-current, Associate Professor, Marine Affairs, University of Rhode Island
  • 2010-2013, Program Manager, Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments Center
  • Public participation in environmental decision making
  • Human dimensions of offshore wind energy developments
  • Environmental values

Publications prior to joining the RIFS

  • Smythe, T., D. Bidwell and G. Tyler. 2021. Optimistic with reservations: The impacts of the United States' first offshore wind farm on the recreational fishing experience. Marine Policy, 127:104404.
  • Bidwell, D. and P-J. Schweizer. 2020. Public values and goals for public participation. Environmental Policy and Governance. DOI: 10.1002/eet.1913
  • Smythe, T., Bidwell, D., Moore, A., Smith, H., and McCann, J. 2020. Beyond the beach: Tradeoffs in tourism and recreation at the first offshore wind farm in the United States. Energy Research & Social Science, 70, 101726.
  • Firestone, J., C. Hirt, D. Bidwell, M. Gardner, and J. Dwyer. 2020. Faring well in offshore wind power siting? Trust, engagement and process fairness in the United States. Energy Research & Social Science, 62:101393.
  • Dwyer, J. and D. Bidwell. 2019. Chains of trust: Lessons on public engagement from the United States' first offshore wind farm. Energy Research & Social Science, 47:166-176.
  • Firestone, J., D. Bidwell, M. Gardner, and L. Knapp. 2018. Wind in the sails or choppy seas?: People-place relations, aesthetics and public support for the United States' first offshore wind power project. Energy Research & Social Science, 40:232-243.
  • Bidwell, D. 2017. Ocean beliefs and support for an offshore wind energy project. Ocean and Coastal Management, 146:99-108.
  • Bidwell, D. 2016. Thinking through participation in renewable energy decisions. Nature Energy, 1. Article number 16051. doi:10.1038/nenergy.2016.51
  • Bidwell, D., T. Dietz, and S. Scavia. 2013. Fostering knowledge networks for climate adaptation. Nature Climate Change, 3:610-611.
  • Bidwell, D. 2013. The role of values in public beliefs and attitudes towards commercial wind energy. Energy Policy, 58:189-199.
  • Shwom, R., D. Bidwell, A. Dan, and T. Dietz. 2010. Understanding U.S. public support of domestic climate change policies. Global Environmental Change, 20(3):472-482