David Lentz

David Lentz is a Professor and Executive Director at the University of Cincinnati Center for Field Studies and Department of Biological Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Alabama (1984) and prior degrees in Anthropology and Sociology. His research focuses on paleoethnobotany and paleoecology, with a emphasis on ancient Maya agricultural practices, agroforestry, and water management systems at sites like Tikal and Ceren. Lentz has led over 20 major grants totaling millions of dollars, including NSF-funded studies on Maya land use and sustainable practices. His work bridges archaeology, ecology, and anthropology, examining how pre-Columbian societies managed their environments. Awards include AAAS Fellowship (2015) and UC Graduate School recognition (2011). He actively collaborates with institutions like the Chicago Botanic Garden and has authored/co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles and books, including the 2015 'Tikal: Paleoecology of an Ancient Maya City.' Lentz also directs field research stations and educational programs, emphasizing STEM teacher training and environmental stewardship.

Education:

• Ph.D. Biology, University of Alabama (1984)
• M.A. Anthropology/Archaeology, Eastern New Mexico University (1979)
• B.A. Biology & Sociology, Washington and Jefferson College (1973)

Research Interests:
Lentz investigates how ancient cultures interacted with their environments, particularly the Maya's sustainable agroforestry and water systems. His work integrates archaeological, botanical, and ecological methods to understand long-term human-environment relationships. Current projects include studying Tikal's constructed niche and Maya responses to environmental pressures. He also explores the domestication of crops like sunflower and their cultural significance.

Key Grants:

• NSF Grant BCS-1632392 (2016-2020): $231K for Maya land/forest/water management at Calakmul
• National Science Foundation: Multiple grants totaling over $800K for Tikal agroforestry and Ceren studies
• Chevron Corporation: Environmental fellowships for field research

Awards:

• Fellow, AAAS (2015)
• Fellow, UC Graduate School (2011)

Labs/Initiatives:
Directs UC Center for Field Studies, which operates field stations in Ohio and Guatemala. Leads educational programs for STEM teachers and undergraduate research training in organismal biology. Rehabilitated historic structures at the field station for academic use.