Biography and education

Billy Fields (Ph.D., Urban Studies, University of New Orleans) is a Professor of Political Science at Texas State University. His research focuses on understanding the key elements of resilient communities. He is the lead author of the Adaptation Urbanism and Resilient Communities (Routledge 2021) and co-editor of Transport Beyond Oil (Island Press 2013). He directs the International Sustainable Transportation Engagement Program, an annual study abroad program in the Netherlands exploring best practices in active transportation. Prior to joining Texas State University, Dr. Fields was Director of the Center for Urban and Public Affairs at the University of New Orleans and Research Director for the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy where he developed and explored the concept of trail-oriented development. Before his academic life, he was also a raft guide in the mountains of North Carolina, an ice cream clerk at Harrods in London, and a food runner at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans.