Ray Dybzinski

Ray Dybzinski, PhD

Associate Professor at Loyola University Chicago's School of Environmental Sustainability, Dr. Dybzinski bridges philosophy and ecology to address sustainability and justice in food systems. With a PhD in Ecology from the University of Minnesota (2007) and dual undergraduate degrees in Physics and Philosophy from Northern Illinois University (1998), his work integrates mathematical modeling, game theory, and community collaboration. He teaches courses like ENVS 326 (Agroecosystems) and ENVS 280 (Principles of Ecology).

Research Focus: Community-led sustainability initiatives, soil health, perennial agriculture, and ecological modeling. He emphasizes co-creation with marginalized communities to transform food systems through empirical and theoretical approaches.

Awards & Recognition:

• Nominated for St. Ignatius of Loyola Excellence in Teaching Award (2021)
• Nominated for Loyola Faculty of the Year (2017)
• Nominated for Langerbeck Faculty Mentor Award (2017, 2019)

Professional Affiliations: Reviews grants for NSF/DOE and manuscripts for journals like Ecology Letters and New Phytologist. Engages in interdisciplinary projects blending ecology, policy, and art.