Mr. Backlund has devoted his career to the planning, management and leadership of complex interdisciplinary research activities. His interests include the interactions of environmental, societal, and economic factors in sustainability; the relationship of human activities and environmental changes; assessment of climate change risks, impacts and response strategies; use of scientific research for decision-making and public policy; development and use of information and observational technologies; and improving the communication of scientific information to non-technical audiences. Mr. Backlund has helped lead assessments of the effects of climate change on land resources, water resources, biodiversity, agriculture, global food security, and the U.S. food system. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a recipient of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Abraham Lincoln Honor Award for exceptional achievement and outstanding contribution to American agriculture.

As Associate Director (from 2014-2024) and now Interim Director (2024-present) of SoGES, Mr. Backlund is responsible for oversight and management of all of the school’s educational, research, and engagement activities. Mr. Backlund was part of the leadership team of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) from 2001-2013, where he led strategic planning, developed and oversaw relationships with sponsors and other organizations, and developed interdisciplinary projects that combined atmospheric, social, health, ecological, and hydrological science. From 1995-2001, he was a senior advisor and policy analyst in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science and Technology Council, where he focused on climate change science, assessment and policy; evaluation, planning, and coordination of environmental science programs and budgets; Earth observations and remote sensing; and communication of environmental science and technology issues to senior officials, industry, academia, the public, and Congress. Mr. Backlund was associate director and then chief of staff of Earth science activities at NASA HQ from 1991-1995, working on projects with Japan, Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy, India, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Russia, EUMETSAT, ESA, and the United Nations. From 1988-1991, Mr. Backlund held positions with SM Systems Research Corporation, LRS Associates, and Science Applications International Corporation.