research

My research focuses on environmental behavior. One strand of my work examines how environmental education (EE) is implemented in schools, drawing on institutional and organizational theories to explore the intermediary level of policy implementation. This includes investigating school districts and counties' mechanisms such as local stakeholder networks, evaluation tools, and teacher training programs. The second strand of my research takes a broader societal perspective and explores the role of rituals in maintaining and motivating environmental behavior.

To learn more check out my Dissertation and my Publications on Google Scholar

ee in schools

My research focuses on implementing environmental education (EE) in public schools, examining how local actors and cultural contexts drive institutional change. I explore the role of school districts, stakeholder networks, evaluation tools, and teacher training programs in supporting EE. My studies highlight the importance of connecting EE local actors with support from local authorities. Through social network analysis and qualitative methods, I identify strategies to enhance collaboration and integrate EE into school routines.

Sadan, N., & Alkaher, I. (2021). Development and formation of ESE policy: learning from teachers and local authorities. Environmental Education Research, 27(2), 192–216. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2020.1847255

Sadan, N. (2025). Overcoming organizational fragmentation in environmental education – the networking role of local education offices. Environmental Education Research, 31(1), 151–172. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2024.2376728

ecoritual

Since joining Stanford, my research has focused on the potential of eco-rituals to sustain pro-environmental behavior. I co-chair the applied collaborative for religion and ecology ACRE. My main project explores how cultural and traditional practices can motivate long-term ecological actions, advocating for environmental education beyond scientific information alone. Collaborating with other scholars, I created a “ritual poll” with the Database of Religious History to collect data on eco-rituals and develop a database and taxonomy. Our research identifies functions of eco-rituals such as addressing eco-anxiety, fostering collective action, and promoting community identity. Future plans include building frameworks and tools to design and implement eco-rituals that enhance emotional resilience and environmental stewardship.

Sadan, N., & Reid, A. (2025). Non-secular ideas and environmental education. Environmental Education Research, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2025.2600600