Diane Debinski

Overview

Diane Debinski is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Ecology at Montana State University. She holds affiliations with the Institute on Ecosystems and the College of Letters & Science. Her research focuses on conservation biology, landscape ecology, and restoration ecology, particularly in montane meadows and pollinator ecosystems. She has conducted extensive studies on biodiversity assessment using remote sensing and climate change impacts on species distribution.

Education

• Ph.D. in Biology, Montana State University, 1991
• M.S. in Natural Resources Policy, University of Michigan, 1986
• B.S. in Biology, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, 1984

Research Interests

Debinski’s work integrates ecological field studies with policy and education initiatives. Key areas include metapopulation dynamics, habitat fragmentation, and climate change effects on montane species. She has pioneered research on Parnassius butterflies and monarch butterfly conservation, emphasizing roadside habitats and milkweed utilization. She also advocates for diversity in STEM through programs like the NSF ADVANCE initiative.

Awards & Recognition

• First-Generation Champion Award (2025)
• WiSE Champion for Women in Science (2016)
• University of Ottawa Distinguished Visiting Researcher (2012)

Grants & Outreach

Leading grants include studies on phenological shifts in pollinators and climate adaptation in grasslands. She has collaborated with the National Park Service and state departments of transportation to inform conservation policies. Debinski also contributes to public outreach through media interviews, podcasts, and the eButterfly citizen science project.

Labs & Teams

Her lab, the Debinski Lab, focuses on montane meadow ecology, pollinator dynamics, and grassland restoration. Current projects include resurveying butterfly populations in Glacier National Park and analyzing environmental DNA for pollinator monitoring.