David R. Montgomery is a distinguished scholar and internationally recognized authority in the field of geomorphology and earth sciences. He currently serves as the Dean's Professor of Environmental Science Writing in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington, Seattle, where he is also a member of the Quaternary Research Center. After earning his B.S. in geology from Stanford University in 1984, he completed his Ph.D. in geomorphology from the University of California, Berkeley in 1991, establishing a foundation for his interdisciplinary approach to earth surface processes. His academic journey has been marked by a unique ability to bridge technical scientific research with broader societal implications, making complex geological concepts accessible to both academic and public audiences.
Montgomery's groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed our understanding of the relationship between geological processes and human civilization, particularly through his investigations into soil erosion, landscape evolution, and their implications for ecological systems. His seminal work on the role of topsoil in the rise and fall of civilizations, documented in his award-winning book Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations, has reshaped scholarly discourse on sustainable land management and agricultural practices throughout history. His studies on salmon population dynamics, particularly in King of Fish: The Thousand-Year Run of Salmon, provided critical insights into the ecological and historical dimensions of fishery management, earning the 2004 Washington State Book Award. Montgomery's innovative approach to integrating digital topography with traditional geomorphological methods has enabled more precise analysis of landscape evolution across diverse global settings, from the Tibetan Plateau to the Pacific Northwest.
Beyond his research contributions, Montgomery has been instrumental in advancing public understanding of earth sciences through his accessible writing and media appearances, including documentary films such as DamNation and PBS's Making North America. His international field research spanning eastern Tibet, South America, the Philippines, Alaska, and the American Pacific Northwest has established him as a global authority on the interconnections between geological processes and human societies. As a 2008 MacArthur Fellow, he has leveraged his recognition to advocate for improved environmental policies and greater public awareness of geological hazards and conservation needs. Montgomery continues to explore the microbial dimensions of soil health and ecosystem functioning in collaboration with biologist Anne Biklé, as evidenced by their co-authored work The Hidden Half of Nature, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to interdisciplinary research that bridges scientific discovery with practical applications for environmental sustainability.
