Madhusudan Katti

Madhusudan Katti is an Associate Professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University (NC State), part of the College of Natural Resources. His research focuses on evolutionary ecology, urban biodiversity, and the impacts of human activities on natural systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Biology from UC San Diego, an M.Sc. in Wildlife Sciences from India's Wildlife Institute, and a B.Sc. in Zoology from the Institute of Science, University of Bombay.

Education:

• Ph.D. (Biology), University of California, San Diego (1997)
• M.Sc. (Wildlife Sciences), Wildlife Institute of India (1989)
• B.Sc. (Zoology), Institute of Science, University of Bombay (1987)

Research Interests: Madhusudan explores how vertebrates adapt to human-modified habitats, emphasizing coupled natural-human systems. Key themes include urban biodiversity dynamics, environmental justice, and decolonial ecological practices. His work bridges ecology, sociology, and policy to address equity in conservation efforts.

Grants and Projects:

• Environmental Justice for Future Leaders in Forestry and Environmental Resources ($262,500, 2021–2026): Trains doctoral students in EJ frameworks through community partnerships.
• NSF Rapid Response Grant ($199,721, 2019–2021): Engaged disaster-impacted students in urban forest research post-Hurricane Florence, fostering resilience and STEM identity.

Publications Highlight Trends:

• Urban biodiversity's role in equitable ecosystems and climate adaptation.
• Anti-racism and decolonial approaches in ecological science.
• Post-disaster ecological recovery and community-driven research.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Urban Ecology and Environmental Justice research clusters at NC State, collaborating with tribal and community groups on applied conservation projects.