kiara winans

The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials is delighted to introduce Dr. Kiara Winans as our new collegiate assistant professor in industrial ecology. Before joining Virginia Tech, Dr. Winans held significant roles in both academia and government. While at the University of California Davis (UCD), she served as a lecturer and co-created and co-directed the UCD Industrial Ecology program. Within this program, she utilized industrial ecology tools such as life cycle assessment (LCA) to address research inquiries spanning a range of industries. Subsequently, she assumed the position of LCA lead at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, where her primary focus was on bioenergy and biofuel systems.

In her own words, “As an industrial ecologist, my expertise revolves around understanding material and energy flows in both natural and built environments, with a strong commitment to reducing environmental and social impacts while enhancing economic, material, and energy efficiencies, all while prioritizing issues of equity and justice.”

Dr. Winans' academic background spans two crucial dimensions of sustainability: social and environmental. She holds degrees in Social Ecology, a Master's in Environmental Engineering Sciences, and a PhD in Soil and Water Science with a minor in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Following her doctoral studies, she conducted research at McGill University in Natural Resource Sciences, overseeing projects related to bioeconomy and agroforestry. She also pursued further education at Harvard Business School, focusing on Business and Society, and Leadership and Management.

Dr. Winans' teaching philosophy aligns with SBIO's commitment to experiential learning and hands-on activities. She believes in engaging students by connecting course material to their real-world experiences, fostering a culture of discovery. Her teaching style transitions from traditional lecturing to encouraging discussions while providing clear feedback.

SBIO is excited to have Dr. Winans join our department, where she will play a pivotal role in advancing our work in industrial ecology, life cycle analysis, and sustainability. Her presence will greatly enhance our educational offerings, particularly as we develop the new major in Sustainable Systems Science (S3). You can find her in her main office at 230B Cheatham Hall, and we encourage everyone to drop by and introduce themselves.

SBIO interviewed Kiara during her first week here at VT and would like to share with you our conversations so you’ll learn more about Kiara and her hopes for the future with us.

Kiara: I want to express my gratitude for the warm welcome I've received at Virginia Tech and the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials.

SBIO: Share with us some insights about yourself, your family, and your outside interests.

Kiara: I come from a rural background, having grown up on a farm where we cultivated hay and subsistence crops, raised livestock, and exchanged goods and services with other farmers. My life has always been filled with a passion for learning and working with others. I love music, cycling, and yoga. Nature and learning hold a special place in my heart, and my family shares this deep passion. We approach life with a curiosity about the world and a commitment to being fully present in our experiences.

SBIO: Why did you choose to join Virginia Tech and more specifically, the SBIO department?

Kiara: I chose Virginia Tech and SBIO because of the University's and Department's unwavering dedication to addressing real-world challenges that align with my professional expertise in industrial ecology and sustainability science. Furthermore, SBIO's faculty expertise and collaborative atmosphere were significant factors in my decision. I'm enthusiastic about becoming a part of the SBIO community, working alongside faculty, staff, and students, and contributing my knowledge and experience to our growing body of work in the Department, especially in areas like life cycle analysis and the circular economy, as well as other instructional offerings in industrial ecology.

SBIO: What is the best advice you have to give?

Kiara: The best advice I can offer is to stay curious and open-minded. Curiosity is the driving force behind learning, growth, and innovation in both education and life. Embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities for improvement. Additionally, collaboration and networking are key to success in any field. Build a professional network and always be willing to learn from others. Lastly, remain committed to making a positive impact on the world, even in the smallest ways. Every effort counts toward creating a better future.