Dr. Lawrence Dritsas

Biography

Lawrence Dritsas is a Senior Lecturer in Science and Technology Studies at the University of Edinburgh, where he also serves as Dean of Students in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. His interdisciplinary training spans both the humanities and natural sciences, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree from Penn State and a Master’s degree from Virginia Tech. He completed his PhD at the Centre of African Studies in Edinburgh, focusing on the scientific exploration of Africa in the mid-nineteenth century. Dritsas has a keen interest in Cultural Heritage Studies and has conducted significant research into the histories of natural sciences and environmental thought. His academic pursuits include extensive investigations into museum collections and historical scientific knowledge, particularly within the context of colonial empires. Dritsas supervises PhD students on topics related to the history of science in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, dealing with themes of exploration, imperialism, and colonialism. Among his notable past projects are the study of Scottish collectors in Central Africa and an investigation into zoonotic diseases funded by the European Research Council. He contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including those focused on environmentalism and the social dimensions of astrobiology and space exploration. Dritsas is committed to supporting student learning and is available for consultations during designated office hours.

Research Interests

Experience