Houser is an environmental sociologist who conducts interdisciplinary research programs to inform the development of policy and engagement strategies toward increasing the short- and long-term resilience of managed ecosystems and human communities to environmental change. His work supports the Chesapeake Bay Agriculture Program's science-based approach to conservation. Through his social-science research efforts, he aims to understand the barriers to farmers’ and agricultural landowners’ voluntary adoption of new nutrient management practices, and through this work, develop interventions that more effectively accelerate sustainability efforts across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.