معرفی
Dr. Chris Payne is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Franciscan University, specializing in ecology and environmental science. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.S. in Biology from Saint Vincent College. His research focuses on forest dynamics, invasive species like the spotted lanternfly, and integrating faith with scientific inquiry. He currently leads a federally-funded project studying the spotted lanternfly’s impact in the Ohio Valley, mentoring 2-4 student researchers per semester.
Dr. Payne teaches courses on ecology, environmental science, field biology, and anatomy, emphasizing critical analysis of complex systems. He co-founded the Franciscan Chapter of the Society of Catholic Scientists (SCS) and oversees the Faith and Science Seminar Series, promoting dialogue between scientific discovery and Catholic teachings. His work emphasizes stewardship of God’s creation through informed environmental science and faith-based education.
Key research areas include long-term forest dynamics using Duke Forest’s 80-year study, riparian zone ecology, and interdisciplinary approaches to personal vocation. His publications span ecological indicators, mycorrhizal plant interactions, and faith-science integration pedagogy.
