Stephen Mitten

Rev. Stephen Mitten, S.J., is a Senior Lecturer at Loyola University Chicago, with a career spanning high school, college, and continuing adult education levels. He previously worked at St. John’s College Junior College in Belize from 2005 to 2012, where he developed the Environmental Science Associate Degree Program and served as Department Chair. His expertise includes conservation biology, tropical ecology, and ornithology.

Education:

• B.S. in Biological Science (1979, Northern Illinois University)
• MDiv (1991, Jesuit School of Theology-Berkeley)
• M.S. in Tropical Ecology (2004, University of Missouri-St. Louis)
• Graduate Certificate in Tropical Biology and Conservation (2005, University of Missouri-St. Louis)
• Additional Certificates: Spiritual Direction & Counseling (1989), Philosophy and Letters (1985), Teaching Certificate (1985)

Research & Teaching: Mitten’s work focuses on biodiversity, neotropical ecosystems, and avian/mangrove ecology. He has taught courses like ENVS 101 (Environmental Issues), ENVS 267 (Bird Conservation), and ENVS 345 (Conservation of Neotropical Ecosystems). His field research spans Ecuador, Belize, Panama, Guyana, and Venezuela.

Awards & Grants:

• 2017 Mary Therese Langerbeck Award for Undergraduate Research Mentoring
• 2005 ICTE Research Scholarship (Ecuador White-crowned Manakin study)
• 2004 SERC Student Fellow (Belize mangrove avian communities)
• 2012 USDA Grant ($29,948) for ecological research
• 2006 PACT Grant ($50,000) to establish the Environmental Science Program in Belize