Paul Koch

Paul Koch is a Distinguished Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and former Dean of the Science Division (2011–2023). His research focuses on using geochemistry as a forensic tool to study the diets, habitats, and physiological states of fossil and living animals, linking this to understanding extinction events, evolutionary changes, and ecological transitions. He has explored topics such as the end-Pleistocene megafauna extinctions, the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum’s ecological impacts, and the evolution of marine vertebrates.

His work integrates paleontology, geochemistry, and conservation biology, with recent studies aiding modern conservation efforts through analyses of species like California condors and Madagascar lemurs. As Dean, he prioritized interdisciplinary programs, student diversity, and innovative facilities, transforming STEM education, particularly for first-generation and underprivileged students.

• Awards: Charles Schuchert Award, AAAS Fellow, and multiple society fellowships.
• Research Themes: Climate change impacts, vertebrate evolution, and conservation applications of paleontological data.