MSU to bring ecologist Ruth DeFries to speak on land use

EBS STAFF

Using satellite imaging and field surveys, Dr. Ruth Defries has studied how demand for food and resources shapes land use, and thus, a society’s future. On Tuesday, April 16, Dr. Defries will speak on the topic at a free and public event in Bozeman as a part of the Institute of Ecology’s 2024 distinguished lecture series.

Ecologist Ruth DeFries will speak as part of the Institute on Ecosystems’ Distinguished Lecture Series, which provides insights into the diverse experiences of accomplished scientists. PHOTO COURTESY OF RUTH DEFRIES/ MSU

The talk will start at 6 p.m. in the Crawford Theatre at the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture. According to Montana State University News Service, Dr. Defries is a Columbia University professor of ecology and sustainable development, and a co-founding dean of the Columbia Climate School.

“DeFries was elected as a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, one of the country’s highest scientific honors, and received a MacArthur Fellowship, also referred to as a ‘Genius Grant.’ DeFries is the founder and director of the Network for Conserving Central India,” MSU News Service stated.

Her talk, “From the Sky to the Ground: A Quest for Healthy Land and People,” will be followed by an April 25 talk from Jill Falcon Ramaker about sustainable food systems.