botkin

Professor Emeritus

PDF icon D_Botkin CV March 2015

561-347-2440

Cell 917-747-3068

Website

Specialization

Environmental biology and global ecology.

• Faculty in Environmental Studies and Biological Sciences Depts.

• Ph.D., Rutgers University

Education

Ph.D. Rutgers University, 1968 (Biology: Plant Ecology)
M.A. University of Wisconsin, 1962 (Major: English Literature, Minor: Scientific Journalism)
B.A. University of Rochester, 1959 (Physics)

Bio

Daniel Botkin is a scientist who studies life from a planetary perspective, a biologist who has helped solve major environmental issues, and a writer about nature. A frequent public speaker, Botkin brings an unusual perspective to his subject. Well-known for his scientific contributions in ecology and environment, he has also worked as a professional journalist and has degrees in physics, biology, and literature. His books and lectures show how our cultural legacy often dominates what we believe to be scientific solutions. He discusses the roles of scientists, businessmen, stakeholders, and government agencies in new approaches to environmental issues. He uses historical accounts by Lewis and Clark and Henry David Thoreau to discuss the character of nature and the relationship between people and nature.

Professor of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies Program (1978 - 1992)

Chairman, Environmental Studies Program, 1979-1985

Research

  • More than 45 years of research on possible effects of climate change on biodiversity.
  • Developed the first successful computer ecosystem model,  still in worldwide use in more than 50 versions.
  • Did extensive field research in wilderness areas, in forests from Alaska to Michigan to Siberia and in African plains.
  • Was one of the first ecologists to investigate possible ecological effects of climate change.
  • Conducted extensive scientific studies of endangered species.
  • Used historical information to recover wildlife population sizes and sea ice changes.
  • Put forth  innovative ideas, including challenges to popular myths about nature.

Publications

Please see Curriculum Vitae for the most updated information.

Honors & Awards:

*Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, John C. Pritzlaff Conservation Award, 2012.

Long Beach Aquarium, annual distinguished visiting scientist, 2008 (November; their first ever).

Green Mountain College, annual distinguished visiting scholar, 2008 (Sept). Oxford University Astor Lectureship, 2007.

University of Notre Dame, Visiting Professor, Spring 2004. University of Montana, Visiting Professor, Fall 2001.

Textbook and Academic Authors Association, Award for Best Textbook in Biological Sciences, 2004.

Watkins Distinguished Visiting Lecturer, University of Kansas, April 1997.

Bernhard Eduard Fernow Award for Outstanding Contributions to International Forestry, 1995.

Environmental Hall of Fame, elected 1995, California Polytechnic Institute, Pomona. Mitchell International Prize for Sustainable Development, 1st prize, 1991.

Charles E. Bessey Lecturer, Iowa State University, 1990–91.

Fellow, Rockefeller Bellagio Study and Conference Center, Como Italy, 1985. Fellow, East-West Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1985–86; 1986–87.

Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (Elected 1986). Sigma Xi National Lecturer, 1981–82; 1982–83.

Distinguished Visiting Biologist, University of Dayton, November 1981.

Fellow, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington, D.C.. NSF Pre-doctoral Fellowship, 1966–67.