Biography
Dr. Van Houtan is a thought leader in biodiversity conservation and science communication and is committed to finding solutions to complex environmental challenges. He is an organismal biologist and global change scientist specializing in endangered species, trophic dynamics, and climate impacts to marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Dr. Van Houtan received a PhD from Duke University (ecology), an MSc from Stanford University (biological sciences), a BA from the University of Virginia (environmental science), and was theologically trained at Duke Divinity School.
He serves as visiting professor of biology at Palm Beach Atlantic University and concurrently as an adjunct professor at both the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University and the Geography department at Liberty University. He previously held leadership roles at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Dr. Van Houtan’s work has been featured in The New York Times, The Economist, Rolling Stone, Wired, NPR, PBS Newshour, and Fox News. He received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from President Obama for his research on sea turtles and climate and he co-edited Diversity and Dominion (Cascade Books). He is an Ordained Deacon at First Baptist Church (Family Church) of West Palm Beach, Florida where he lives with his wife, and two children.
Degrees
PhD in Ecology, Duke University | MS in Biological Science, Stanford University