David Kurz

David Kurz is a Visiting Assistant Professor in Environmental Studies at Boston College. He holds a PhD in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from UC Berkeley, an MPhil in Zoology from the University of Cambridge, and an AB in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University. His interdisciplinary research focuses on the human dimensions of wildlife conservation, climate policy, and socio-ecological systems.

Dr. Kurz explores how climate change, urbanization, and land-use shifts impact ecosystems and human communities. Key research projects include studying bearded pig distributions in Borneo, cultural implications of lobster die-offs in the Long Island Sound, and equity in urban green space access. His work bridges natural and social sciences to address challenges in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

Recent publications highlight topics like wildfire biodiversity overlaps in California, socio-ecological dynamics in Malaysian Borneo, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on wildlife. He emphasizes mentorship, guiding students toward real-world problem-solving and engaged scholarship. Dr. Kurz’s teaching and research align with Boston College’s commitment to environmental justice and interdisciplinary collaboration.