Drew Kerkhoff

Drew Kerkhoff is the Provost and Professor of Biology at the University of Puget Sound. As a quantitative ecologist, his research investigates the ecology and evolution of plant biodiversity and the role of vegetation in regulating the global carbon cycle. His work employs mathematical and computational models to analyze vegetation-climate feedbacks, contributing to biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation strategies.

Education:

• BA, Biology, Rutgers University (1990)
• MS, Ecology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque (1997)
• PhD, Ecology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque (2002)

At Kenyon College, Kerkhoff integrated computational and data science into the biology curriculum and founded a science/nature writing program blending analytical rigor with communication training. His interdisciplinary research, funded by National Science Foundation grants, explores ecosystem resilience, vegetation dynamics, and climate change impacts. He has mentored many undergraduate researchers, fostering collaborative scientific inquiry.

Scientific Awards: No specific honors, prizes, or fellowships were explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

Advising and Grants:

• Mentored numerous undergraduates in ecological research projects
• Secured multiple NSF grants for biodiversity and carbon cycle studies
• Developed curricula combining computational methods with biological sciences

Contact: Jones 111, University of Puget Sound; email: dkerkhoff@pugetsound.edu