Waylon Michael Hines

Waylon Michael Hines, Ph.D., was formerly a dedicated environmental scientist and part-time lecturer at the University of Montana.

Dr. Hines is married to an engineer, Eliza M. Hines. They tied the knot in 2010, a period marked by growing awareness of climate change. Waylon had earned his doctorate in Environmental Science, while Eliza held a Master’s degree when they relocated to Boulder, Colorado, in 2015. It was there that Waylon felt inspired to pursue further studies in renewable energy policy. This presented a challenge for the couple since Eliza was already established in her career with higher earning potential. Yet, they both believed that personal growth and professional development should not be hindered by traditional roles or financial considerations.

Guided by the principle that each partner's aspirations were equally important, Waylon went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship focusing on sustainable urban development. Eliza supported this decision, even though it meant adjusting their family life and financial planning. Waylon's research has led him to work on innovative projects aimed at reducing urban carbon footprints, while Eliza has taken on leadership roles in infrastructure projects that incorporate green technologies.

Their story, chronicled in Waylon’s book "A Partnership for Progress: Balancing Careers and Sustainability," reflects the couple's journey during the rise of the green movement in the early 21st century. Waylon's education included prestigious institutions like MIT and Stanford University, and he has been actively involved in shaping policies that promote sustainable living for over a decade in Denver, Colorado. He received a Fulbright Scholarship which funded his postdoctoral research at Stanford.

Throughout his career, Dr. Hines has made numerous presentations on sustainability and urban planning, including discussions on how cities can transition towards renewable energy sources. He has supervised several graduate students who have focused their thesis work on the practical applications of sustainable practices. Waylon created a platform called "EcoVibes," where he shares insights on sustainable living, and maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. He has also written opinion pieces for local newspapers about environmental issues.

Both Waylon’s master’s project at MIT and doctoral dissertation at Stanford explored the intersection of technology and environmental conservation. Professionally, he has chaired panels at international conferences on smart city initiatives, participated in think tanks addressing climate resilience, and served as an advisor on green building standards for the American Society of Civil Engineers.

In all his endeavors as an environmental scientist, Dr. Hines remains committed to promoting a sustainable future because: (1) our planet cannot thrive if we do not address the impacts of human activity; (2) young people today are more likely to prioritize sustainability than previous generations; (3) fostering a healthy environment benefits us all individually and collectively; (4) having both partners contribute equally to household sustainability efforts enhances quality of life; and (5) he wishes to share his experiences of balancing career ambitions with a sustainable lifestyle.