Frank Davis

Frank Davis is a Distinguished Professor at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management and the Department of Geography at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His research focuses on landscape ecology, conservation planning, and climate change impacts on California ecosystems. He leads the Biogeography Lab and directs the La Kretz Research Center at Sedgwick Reserve and the Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network Office.

Education

• PhD, Geography and Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (1982)
• BA, Biology, Williams College (1975)

Research Interests

Frank Davis investigates landscape ecology, conservation strategies for California plant communities, and climate change effects on ecosystems. His work integrates remote sensing, GIS, and field studies to address biodiversity conservation, fire management, and protected-area design. Recent projects include oak woodland restoration and socioecological resilience in Mediterranean climates.

Key Achievements

• 2021: Lead author on studies on postfire recovery and drought impacts in California chaparral.
• 2016: Elected Fellow of the Ecological Society of America.
• 2010: Google Science Communication Fellow and AAAS Fellow.
• Recipient of multiple grants for LTER Network coordination and biodiversity monitoring.

Labs/Teams

Directs the Biogeography Lab (archived) and collaborates with the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) and the UC Natural Reserve System. Active in the La Kretz Research Center at Sedgwick Reserve.