Profile of Dr. Alan Berkowitz

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
PO Box AB 2917 Sharon Turnpike
Millbrook, NY 12545-0178
Phone: (845) 677-7600 x 311
Fax: (845) 677-5976
berkowitza@ecostudies.org

Current Position: Head of Education and Plant Ecologist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY

Education: Ph.D. Plant Ecology, Cornell University, 1986

Dr. Berkowitz’s work focuses on the ecology of urban and suburban ecosystems, and on improving ecology education.  With collaborators at the Cary Institute, he assesses current ecological education programs and develops innovative pedagogy to improve environmental science learning for students, the general public, and decision-makers.  He also joined forces with the United Negro College Fund to initiate the SEEDS program, which promotes minority students in ecology.  Dr. Berkowitz has reviewed education standards put forth by the National Research Council, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the North American Association for Environmental Education.  Dr. Berkowitz heads the Education Team of the Baltimore Ecosystem Study, an NSF-support Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program, and has directed the Cary Institute’s Ecology in Context undergraduate research program for the past 21 y ears. He currently serves on the Education Committee of the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center and the LTER Education Committee.  Dr. Berkowitz’s publications include numerous articles in scientific journals, book chapters, and an edited book entitled Understanding Urban Ecosystems: A New Frontier for Science and Education.