Dr. William Durham

Professor

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Biography

William (Bill) Durham is the Bing Professor of Human Biology (Emeritus) and a Senior Fellow (Emeritus) at the Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University. He has dedicated his career to combining principles of evolution with efforts to sustain biological and cultural diversity, particularly focusing on social dimensions of environmental problems in Latin America. His fieldwork has taken him to Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, and Central American countries such as El Salvador and Costa Rica. Durham is a recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Prize Fellowship and has received multiple awards for his teaching and research. His recent book, 'Exuberant Life: An Evolutionary Approach to Conservation in the Galápagos,' was recognized as a finalist for the 2022 PROSE Award. He has authored several influential publications, such as 'Scarcity and Survival in Central America,' 'Coevolution: Genes, Culture, and Human Diversity,' and has served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Annual Review of Anthropology. In addition to his academic appointments, he was the Founding Co-Director of the Center for Responsible Travel, a research organization that promotes environmentally sustainable travel-related practices.

Research Interests

Experience

Bing Professor Human Biology, Emeritus

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA, USA

William Durham has been a faculty member focusing on human biology and environmental anthropology, emphasizing evolution and conservation.

Co-Director, Osa Golfito Initiative

— Present

Woods Institute • Stanford, CA, USA

Co-directed an initiative in Costa Rica to develop sustainability strategies.

Co-Director, Center Responsible Travel

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA, USA

Led research organization focused on promoting local livelihoods through responsible tourism.

Chair, Department of Anthropological Sciences

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA, USA

Oversaw department activities and led academic initiatives.

Editor, Annual Review of Anthropology

— Present

Annual Review, Stanford • Stanford, CA, USA

Edited multiple volumes of the respected annual publication in anthropology.

Awards

#

PROSE Award Silver Medallion

Courses

MLA 390 ANTHRO 10SC HUMBIO 17SC ANTHRO 12SC HUMBIO 19SC ANTHRO 13SC

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.