I’m an Assistant Professor at New York University in the Department of Environmental Studies and affiliated faculty with the NYU Center for Data Science.

Email: Matthew.Hayek@nyu.edu

Food systems emit one third of all greenhouse gases and occupy half of the earth’s habitable surface. My research quantifies the impacts of food production on climate change and ecological processes using empirical modeling and geospatial data. This work generates data-driven insights for reducing and reversing our food system’s environmental impacts.

My work bridges divides between science and policy through interactive research design, engaging with policymakers, advocates, and practitioners. I coordinate interdisciplinary research projects that investigate and expand the option space for tackling climate change through food systems.

Prior to joining NYU, I was a postdoctoral science and policy researcher at Harvard Law School and received a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering at the Harvard Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science. I teach courses on earth system fluid mechanics, global change biology, biogeochemistry, and statistics.