Philip Rothrock is a master’s candidate in Environmental Conservation at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. He joined the Gibbs lab in the Summer of 2014. His research focuses on the process for certifying palm oil mills and their supply base under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certification. He is also investigating the relationship between certification audits and environmental and social outcomes. Philip’s interest in this area stems from his previous work on sustainable palm oil with the Zoological Society of London. He was relocated to Indonesia to work as part of a small research team to conduct interviews, develop case studies and develop content for ZSL’s online resource centre on sustainable palm oil.

Before coming to Madison, Philip worked for Conservation International (CI) on sustainability issues in Africa. He provided tactical, research and communications support to CI for co-hosting the inaugural 2012 Summit for Sustainability in Africa involving African Heads of State, and global private and public sector leaders, and for the follow-up ministerial meeting in 2013.

Outside of work, Philip enjoys hiking, reading and swing dancing.

Where are they Now?

Program Manager at Forest Trends Association.