Dr. Rodolfo Dirzo

Biography

Rodolfo Dirzo is a Professor of Earth System Science at Stanford University, as well as a Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment. His research principally focuses on species interactions in tropical ecosystems, particularly in California, Latin America, and other tropical regions. Dirzo's work highlights the decline of animal populations, known as 'defaunation', and its effects on ecosystem processes and services, such as disease regulation. He teaches ecology, natural history, and conservation biology to both undergraduate and graduate students, and has developed educational programs for underserved children in the Bay Area. Dirzo's significant contributions include co-authoring a new framework for K-12 science education and being a member of various scientific organizations. He has received numerous accolades for his service and research in ecology, including the Pew Scholar award and membership in prominent scientific academies. He is also involved in various professional committees and boards, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sciences.

Research Interests