Dennis Ojima

Dennis Ojima is a Professor and Interim Director of the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory (NREL) at Colorado State University. He has spent over four decades at NREL, advancing ecosystem science, biogeochemical modeling (e.g., the CENTURY model), and interdisciplinary research on global environmental change.

• Current Interim Director (2021–present) and previously held the role from 2005–2006
• Focuses on social-ecological systems, dryland sustainability, and integrating AI into ecology
• Collaborated internationally, including long-term projects in Mongolia and Madagascar

His research bridges ecosystem science with climate change, land use, and community resilience. He co-founded the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) and contributed to NASA and NSF global change initiatives. Recent work includes the ARID NASA field campaign and the Global-DEP program for dryland sustainability.

Article trends highlight expertise in dryland ecosystems, climate adaptation, biogeochemical modeling, and community-based research. His awards include the Distinguished Ecosystem Scientists Award.

As Interim Director, Ojima emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, leadership transition documentation, and mentoring early-career researchers. He leads NREL's engagement in national initiatives like the National Nature Assessments.