John Richard Stepp

John Richard Stepp (also known as Rick Stepp) is a Professor of Anthropology and UF Research Foundation Professor at the University of Florida, with core faculty appointments at the Center for Latin American Studies, Tropical Conservation and Development Program, and Land Use and Environmental Change Institute. He also serves as affiliate faculty at the School of Natural Resources and Environment and other interdisciplinary environmental research centers.

His research expertise spans ecological anthropology, ethnobotany, medical anthropology, and visual anthropology, with two decades of fieldwork throughout tropical regions including the Maya Forest (Mexico, Guatemala, Belize) and Greater Mekong Region of Southeast Asia. Dr. Stepp investigates traditional ecological knowledge persistence and variation, with particular focus on wild food plants, medicinal plants, and biocultural diversity patterns. His work bridges academic research with practical conservation applications through experiential learning initiatives.

Professional Leadership:

• Past-president of the Society for Economic Botany
• Current president of the International Society of Ethnobiology
• Associate editor for multiple journals in environmental anthropology and ethnobiology

Dr. Stepp teaches courses including Anthropology, GIS and Human Ecosystems; Ethnobotany; Research Methods in Tropical Conservation and Development; Tropical Gardens: Theory and Practice; Proposal Writing; and Ethnoecology. He leads the Quest 3 experiential learning initiative and serves as online coordinator for the Department of Anthropology, with geographic expertise spanning Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Ecuador, Peru, and the Caribbean.