Senator Spotlight February 2025

Category

YOUR NAME: Tyler DesRoches

What unit do you represent? School of Sustainability

How many years have you served in the Senate? My three-year term will end after Spring 25.

How many years have you been employed at ASU? Approximately 9.5 years.

What other institutions have you taught at before coming to ASU? Before coming to ASU, I taught in both the Department of Economics and the Department of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, where I also completed my PhD in philosophy. Specifically, I taught a two-sequence course entitled, “History and Philosophy of Economics from Aristotle to Amartya Sen.” My time at UBC was invaluable, as it allowed me to deepen my expertise in both disciplines while engaging with a vibrant academic community. Teaching in two distinct but complementary fields gave me the opportunity to explore interdisciplinary connections between economics and philosophy, particularly in areas like ethics, decision-making, and sustainability. These experiences not only shaped my academic trajectory but also reinforced my passion for interdisciplinary collaboration—something I’ve carried forward into my work at ASU.

What is your research and/or creative activities focus?

I am the Founding Director of ASU Farm: Cultivating Plants, People, and Planet, a demonstration project in Principled Innovation that originated within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with the moral support and strategic sensibility of Dean of Humanities, Jeffrey Cohen. The idea for ASU Farm began to take shape in the spring of 2024, led by a group of core ASU faculty members, staff, and Maya Dailey from Maya’s Farm in South Phoenix, located approximately six miles southwest of ASU’s Tempe campus. The project really gained momentum after Becky Tsang and I were both appointed as College Catalysts for Principled Innovation in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, further solidifying its foundation.

ASU Farm’s mission is rooted in advancing ASU’s most recent design aspiration: Practice Principled Innovation. This initiative places character and values at the heart of decision-making, reflecting ASU’s deep commitment to promoting human flourishing within the communities it serves. At ASU Farm, we strive to foster a vibrant and inclusive community by cultivating character through sustainable practices and educating students as whole individuals. Our goals include reconnecting people to the land, deepening our understanding of our interdependence with the natural world, and strengthening ecological relationships. Ultimately, our mission is to heal and enrich relationships—with one another and with the environment—while promoting a future centered on collective well-being, sustainability, and growth. My goal is to make ASU Farm a fully endowed Center.

As for my research, I am trained as both a philosopher and an economist, though I often describe myself as a sustainability scholar. My interdisciplinary research focuses broadly on the relationship between sustainability and human well-being. I am deeply motivated by the pressing challenge of our time: resolving the environmental crisis while ensuring human well-being for current and future generations. Addressing this monumental challenge requires collaboration across disciplines, as no single academic field can adequately tackle it alone.

My work integrates insights from philosophy, history, ecology, economics, and sustainability science. I collaborate with scholars from diverse fields, including philosophy, sustainability science, geography, and nutrition science. Together, we explore several cross-cutting research areas, such as environmental philosophy, environmental decision-making, the relationship between sustainability and human well-being, the nature of interdisciplinary science in the Anthropocene, the normative foundations of behavioral welfare economics, and the risks of civilization collapse due to climate change.

The common thread running through all my work is, in one word, ameliorative—dedicated to finding ways to ensure a habitable planet and foster human flourishing for future generations. My hope is to contribute to a world where sustainability and well-being are not competing goals but complementary pathways to a better future.

Why did you decide to get involved with the Senate? I decided to get involved with the Senate because I wanted to gain a broader, birds-eye view of how ASU functions as an institution. I believed that serving a term on the University Senate would give me unique insights into the university's governance, decision-making processes, and the interplay between various departments and stakeholders—and it turns out I was absolutely correct! The experience has been eye-opening and has allowed me to understand ASU in ways I never could have otherwise. Additionally, after being elected to serve, I knew I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the university community. It felt like a privilege to represent my peers, collaborate with others who are passionate about improving ASU, and help shape the policies and initiatives that directly impact our campus.

Describe what you have learned (or hope to learn) during your time in the Senate? During my time at ASU, I have gained a deep appreciation for the complexity and collaboration involved in how the university operates. From governance structures to decision-making processes, I’ve learned how various departments and individuals work together to support ASU’s mission and values. I’ve also gained insight into how policies are developed, resources are allocated, and initiatives are prioritized to enhance the university's academic and community impact. I am truly thankful for this knowledge, as it has not only broadened my perspective but also helped me understand the importance of shared governance and the role of the Senate in representing the voices of the ASU community.

What committees have you participated in, or would like to participate in and what were you able to (or hope to) accomplish?  I would love to one day participate in the University Services and Facilities Committee because it aligns with my passion for strategic planning and improving campus life. This committee plays a vital role in shaping the physical and operational aspects of the university, which directly impact students, faculty, and staff. By contributing to this committee, I hope to help identify areas for improvement, develop forward-thinking plans, and advocate for resources that enhance the overall campus experience. Whether it's improving sustainability initiatives, optimizing the use of facilities, or ensuring services meet the needs of our diverse community, I would be excited to collaborate with others to create meaningful and lasting improvements.

What would you say to your peers who might be considering accepting a nomination or nominating himself or herself for a position in the University Senate? Accepting a nomination or nominating yourself for a position in the University Senate is a fantastic opportunity to get deeply involved in the workings of ASU. It's a chance to not only contribute to shaping university policies and decisions but also to gain invaluable insights into how the institution operates. The senators are a welcoming group, and being part of the Senate allows you to build relationships with peers who are passionate about improving the university community. Plus, it's a great way to broaden your understanding of ASU's governance and make a meaningful impact on campus life.