About

Learn more about the Environment & Well-Being Lab

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Our Goals

Our research takes place at the nexus of psychology, public health, and ecology, with a focus on examining the ways in which nature experience benefits mental and physical health, and potential causal mechanisms underlying these relationships.

We gather empirical data, develop theoretical frameworks, and use novel approaches to understand the association of nature contact with cognitive function, mood, and other aspects of psychological well-being.

We are also working on ways in which this science can be put into practice to address health inequities that are disproportionately experienced by marginalized and underserved communities.

EWB Lab appreciates support from the Doug Walker Endowed Professorship, Craig McKibben and Sarah Merner, John Miller, the JPB Environmental Health Fellowship, the National Institutes of Health (NIH),
and the US Forest Service (USFS).

In addition to our lab research, EWB works in close collaboration with

UW Nature and Health

UW Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology

JPB Environmental Health Fellowship at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

The Natural Capital Project

EWB in media

How the smells of nature can affect human well-being

Oregon Public Broadcasting

Scientists Want to Know How the Smells of Nature Benefit Our Health

UW News

National Nature Assessment

U.S. Global Change Research Program

EWB Director Dr. Bratman Named as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher 2023

Clarivate

Can Virtual Reality Mimic Nature's Power to Make Us Healthier?

Scientific American

On May 11th, 2023 EWB director Dr. Bratman delivered a talk at the Picower Institute of Learning and Memory at MIT's spring symposium: "The Environmental and Social Determinants of Child Mental Health"

On April 20th 2023, EWB director Dr. Bratman spoke on the importance of nature and health for youth at the White House Invest in Nature Summit

Forests and Trees for Human Health: Pathways, Impacts, Challenges and Response options

International Union of Forest Research Organizations

Green Blocks Boost Tacoma Neighborhoods One Tree at a Time

The Urbanist

Stressed During the holidays? There's an exercise for that

These easy fitness strategies will help keep your spirits up

2023 May Be the Year Tacoma's Housing Policy Grows Up

The Urbanist

Gregory Bratman, SEFS Assistant Professor, named on the highly cited researchers 2022 List

UW SEFS News and Events

How to consider Nature's impact on mental health in city plans

UW News

Time: Why doctors are prescribing nature walks

Here’s the science behind the nature-health connection

National Geographic: Why a backyard that's 'for the birds' is great for kids, too

Plus, 5 ways to grow your family’s circle of feathered friends

The World's Most Awesome Outdoor Installations

Art shows that will hit you with a natural high

Birding with benefits: How nature improves our mental mindsets

Mounting scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of the outdoors is helping shape innovations in medicine, education, and more

Are green spaces in cities as good for us as green spaces in mountains?

What are the benefits of green spaces?

We acknowledge the Coast Salish peoples of the land on which the University of Washington stands, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations.