Michael Dietrich

Michael Dietrich is a Professor and Chair of the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh. His work focuses on the history and philosophy of biology, particularly scientific controversies, genetic drift, and molecular evolution. He has held academic positions at Dartmouth College and the University of California, Davis, and has been affiliated with institutions such as the Marine Biological Laboratory and Arizona State University.

Education: Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego (1991), B.A. in Philosophy and Biology from Virginia Tech (1985).

Research Interests: Dietrich explores the drivers of innovation in science, including the role of outsiders and diversity in biological research. His key themes include the history of genetic drift, Richard Goldschmidt’s work on hopeful monsters, and the formation of developmental biology as a field. His research integrates historical analysis with philosophical inquiry into scientific methods and ethics.

Notable Works: Dietrich has authored/co-authored books such as Nature Remade (2021) and Survival of the Luckiest (in review), and edited volumes on the historiography of biology. His articles span topics from molecular evolution to the philosophy of scientific controversy.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on projects like rephotographing Ernest Wilson’s botanical expeditions and studying the legacy of Richard Goldschmidt. Engaged with the Center for Philosophy of Science and the World History Center at Pitt.