Steven's research, “Escalation Without Intent: A Structural Reframing for Systems Research,” has been published in Systems Research and Behavioral Science. The paper explores how complex systems can move toward instability through the interaction of disturbance, interconnectedness, feedback, and time—even when no individual part of the system is driving that outcome intentionally.

That systems perspective has applications across many fields, including the environmental and natural systems that were such an important part of his education at Humboldt. From ecosystems and forests to organizations and other complex systems, the underlying question is similar: what allows a system to absorb disturbance, and what causes it to begin losing stability?

As a Cal Poly Humboldt alumnus, he's especially proud to share this milestone with the Humboldt community.