Diane Pataki

Diane Pataki is a Foundation Professor in the School of Sustainability at Arizona State University's College of Global Futures and Chief Scientist of the National Wildlife Federation. Her research examines urban ecological systems with focus on climate change impacts, ecohydrology, and sustainability solutions.

Research integrates: 1) Urban tree functional responses to climate stress; 2) Water use and irrigation in semi-arid cities; 3) Carbon cycling in built environments; and 4) Socioecological drivers of biodiversity patterns. Field studies span multiple U.S. cities through the Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine and Wasatch Environmental Observatory network.

Recent publications emphasize urban forestry (40%), ecohydrology (30%), climate adaptation (20%), and carbon cycle science (10%). Awards include AGU's Macelwane Medal, Fulbright Global Scholarship, and fellowships from AGU, ESA, and AAAS.