Dr. Rodolfo Dirzo

Biography

Rodolfo Dirzo is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Stanford University and an expert in Environmental Science and Earth System Science. He serves as the Associate Dean for Integrative Initiatives at Stanford University, focusing on a range of critical environmental issues. His scientific work largely revolves around the study of species interactions within tropical ecosystems, particularly in California and Latin America, and emphasizes the global implications of biodiversity loss. Recent highlights of his research include the phenomenon of 'defaunation'—the decline of animal life and its far-reaching effects on ecosystem processes and services, including disease regulation. In addition to his research, Dirzo teaches several courses on ecology, natural history, conservation biology, and biocultural diversity at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He is actively involved in science education programs catering to underserved children in the Bay Area and his lab hosts undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and visiting scholars from various countries. His contributions to the academic community also include co-authoring a new Framework for K-12 Science Education, which aims to enhance environmental understanding among students.

Research Interests