In addition to directing CCL, Mae is a professor in the Dept. of Forest Resources. Her research interests center on the human dimensions of natural resource management, specifically sustainable land use planning; community-based ecosystem management; recreation planning; and human beliefs, attitudes and behaviors associated with landscape change. She was the 2013 recipient of the Richard C. Newman Community Service Award, presented annually to a UMN faculty member who achieves excellence in designing and delivering outreach programs in the natural resources sciences that have a positive impact on external communities and MN citizens.