B.S. 1985 (Environmental Policy Analysis & Planning) University of California, Davis; M.S. 1989 (Energy Management & Policy) University of Pennsylvania; M.C.P. 1990 (City & Regional Planning) University of Pennsylvania; M.S. 2001 (Curriculum & Instruction) Portland State University; Ph.D. 2007 (Urban Studies) Portland State University. Dr. Hammer applies systems thinking to the development of healthy communities. With a strong commitment to service learning and service scholarship, her teaching and research is anchored in understanding and improving regional sustainability. Her work focuses on multi-stakeholder process – in particular, the convening of diverse groups to build understanding about community issues and develop individual and collective responses. Dr. Hammer worked on sustainable regional food system issues in academic and non-profit settings for over fifteen years before joining our staff as Program Director of the Social Equity and Opportunity Forum.