Erin Heinz
Research Areas
Dr. Heinz is an Assistant Professor of Practice for the University of Arizona’s School of Sociology. As an environmental sociologist, Heinz ponders the paradoxes of sustainability, and the social context that shapes the perception of urgency and risk of climate change. Dr. Heinz’s current research investigates the sociotechnical barriers to decarbonization of buildings. Dr. Heinz holds a PhD from the University of Arizona and is the author of Concrete Mirage (2025), on the paradox of sustainability certifications in resource-constrained environments. In her work, Dr. Heinz highlights the importance of centering marginalized voices to shape the future of both environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Dr. Heinz is an award-winning instructor and dedicated to helping students develop into future global thought-leaders.
In addition to academic pursuits, Dr. Heinz is an enthusiastic mountain biker, ceramicist, and painter.