Gerald R. Urquhart

Gerald R. Urquhart is an Associate Professor at Lyman Briggs College with a joint appointment in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University. As Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs, he bridges academic leadership with field research in tropical ecosystems.

• Ph.D. in Biology, University of Michigan
• Postdoctoral Research, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
• B.S. in Zoology, Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University

Dr. Urquhart specializes in coupled natural and human systems, focusing on how globalization and climate change affect biodiversity in tropical rainforests. His work spans the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua and the Brazilian Amazon, integrating basic research with applied conservation solutions.

His recent publications analyze infrastructure impacts on tropical ecosystems, climate change education, and archaeological food processing techniques.

Scientific Awards

• 2005: Outstanding Service to Study Abroad Award, Michigan State University
• 2004: Outstanding Faculty Award, MSU Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Dr. Urquhart secured significant NSF grants for interdisciplinary research on food-energy-environment systems, dam sustainability, and remote community connectivity. He also leads study abroad programs to Nicaragua and Ecuador, emphasizing human-wildlife coexistence in rainforest education.