His research interests center on how unconscious biases and selective media consumption can influence public opinion about science and environmental policy. Erik has published peer-reviewed articles in a number of academic journals, such as the Journal of Communication and Communication Research. He is currently one of the principal investigators on the Co-Evolution of Upstream Human Behavior and Downstream Ecosystem Services in a Changing Climate grant funded by the National Science Foundation. Erik holds a Ph.D. in communication from the School of Agricultural & Life Sciences at Cornell University.