David Bottjer

David Bottjer is a Professor of Earth Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Environmental Studies at the University of Southern California, affiliated with the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on geobiology, evolutionary paleoecology, and paleoenvironmental analysis. He holds a Ph.D. in Geology from Indiana University (1978), an M.A. from SUNY Binghamton (1976), and a B.S. from Haverford College (1973).

His research interests include microbialite formation, paleoclimatology, and the interplay between biological processes and sedimentary systems. He has contributed significantly to understanding mass extinctions, biotic recoveries, and ancient reef ecosystems. His work spans diverse topics such as Triassic-Jurassic boundary events, Cretaceous seep ecosystems, and Devonian reef dynamics.

Bottjer’s recent publications (2023–2025) highlight studies on microbialite textures, Cretaceous methane seeps, and the paleoecology of ancient corals. He received the Paleontological Society Medal in 2019 for his contributions to the field. His lab focuses on integrating geological and biological data to address questions about Earth’s history and climate.