Dr. David Ackerly is a distinguished leader in environmental science and Dean of the Rausser College of Natural Resources at the University of California, Berkeley. He holds a joint professorship in the Departments of Integrative Biology and Environmental Science, Policy, and Management where he has shaped academic programs since joining the faculty in 2005. A Yale University graduate who earned his B.A. in Biological Sciences in 1984, he completed his Ph.D. in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University in 1993. Prior to his appointment at Berkeley, Dr. Ackerly served on the faculty at Stanford University for eight years, establishing himself as a rising scholar in plant ecology and evolutionary biology. His leadership as Dean has been characterized by a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and addressing society's most pressing environmental challenges.
Dr. Ackerly's groundbreaking research focuses on understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on California's native biodiversity through rigorous ecological and evolutionary studies. His laboratory has conducted pioneering investigations into drought tolerance mechanisms of native tree species, long-term vegetation dynamics following wildfires, and distribution modeling of plant communities across changing landscapes. With over 67000 citations according to Google Scholar, his work has established critical frameworks for assessing species vulnerability to climate change and informing adaptive conservation strategies. As co-leader of the Terrestrial Biodiversity Climate Change Collaborative, he has developed high-resolution climate projections that have become essential tools for land managers and conservation organizations across the state. His research on post-fire forest dynamics at sites affected by the 2017 and 2019 northern California wildfires has provided vital insights for ecosystem recovery and management in an era of increasing wildfire frequency and intensity.
Beyond his research contributions, Dr. Ackerly has established himself as a pivotal figure in connecting scientific knowledge with practical conservation applications through his leadership roles and collaborative initiatives. He serves as Co-Chair of the California Biodiversity Network and was Lead Author of the Bay Area Regional Report for the Fourth California Climate Change Assessment, demonstrating his commitment to translating science into actionable policy. His work with the National Park Service, state agencies, and numerous NGOs has forged critical pathways for implementing climate-resilient management practices in California's parks and natural areas. Recognized with the Distinguished Faculty Mentor Award in 2011 and as a Fellow of both the California Academy of Sciences and the Ecological Society of America, Dr. Ackerly continues to shape the next generation of environmental scientists through his dedication to mentorship and education. Currently focusing on fine-scale spatial climate heterogeneity and its role in enhancing ecosystem resilience, his work remains at the forefront of developing innovative approaches to biodiversity conservation in the face of accelerating environmental change.
