David Tilman

David Tilman is a Distinguished Professor at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), and holds a dual appointment as Regents' Professor and McKnight Presidential Chair in Ecology at the University of Minnesota. He directs the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve and focuses on biodiversity conservation, sustainable ecosystems, and biofuel solutions for climate stabilization. His research integrates ecological principles with practical applications in agriculture and energy policy.

Education:

• PhD in Ecology, University of Michigan
• BS in Zoology, University of Michigan

Research Interests: Tilman explores how biodiversity enhances ecosystem services, evaluates the environmental impacts of biofuels, and investigates sustainable land use strategies. His work bridges ecological science with policy, emphasizing the role of diverse prairie grasses in carbon sequestration and renewable energy systems.

Awards:

• Regents' Professor (University of Minnesota)
• McKnight Presidential Chair in Ecology

Lab/Teams: Directs the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, a long-term ecological research site. Advises PhD candidate Zoe Sims, whose work spans agriculture, nutrient cycling, and tropical ecology.