Dr. Alan Hastings stands as a preeminent theoretical ecologist whose rigorous mathematical approaches have fundamentally shaped modern ecological science. He currently holds the distinguished position of Professor Emeritus in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at the University of California, Davis, where he has been a faculty member since 1979 after completing his PhD in Applied Mathematics at Cornell University under the supervision of Simon A. Levin. Prior to joining UC Davis, he spent two formative years as a faculty member at Washington State University, establishing the foundation for his groundbreaking work in ecological theory. His longstanding affiliation with the Center for Population Biology and his election to the National Academy of Sciences underscore his exceptional contributions to the field.
Dr. Hastings' seminal research has produced cornerstone papers on population dynamics in stochastic environments that have catalyzed major theoretical advances while profoundly influencing practical conservation efforts worldwide. His pioneering work examining the role of space and other forms of structure in ecological dynamics has reshaped understanding of food webs, dispersal mechanisms, and complex population behaviors across diverse ecosystems. As the founding Editor-in-Chief of Theoretical Ecology journal and co-Editor-in-Chief of the Bulletin of Mathematical Biology, he has provided essential platforms for advancing mathematical approaches in ecology. His theoretical frameworks have proven particularly influential in addressing critical applied challenges including invasive species management and the development of effective marine protected areas.
Beyond his direct research contributions, Dr. Hastings has cultivated a vibrant intellectual community through his mentorship of numerous outstanding young scientists who have gone on to become leaders in theoretical ecology and population biology. His current research continues to push boundaries with investigations into transient dynamics, regime shifts, and the intersection of ecology with economics, while maintaining active experimental work with flour beetle populations to validate spatial ecological theories. As an External Professor at the Santa Fe Institute since 2018, he continues to foster interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge theoretical ecology with complex systems science. The enduring impact of his work is further evidenced by his co-editing of the Encyclopedia of Theoretical Ecology and his ongoing leadership in guiding the next generation of theoretical ecologists toward solving pressing environmental challenges.
