Benjamin Z. Houlton, director of the John Muir Institute of the Environment and professor of global environmental studies at the University of California, Davis, has been named the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Cornell Provost Michael I. Kotlikoff announced today.
An accomplished environmental scientist, Houlton is recognized internationally for research collaborations into ecosystem processes, solutions to ameliorate climate change, and to improve carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles for energy and food production.
“Ben’s leadership, scholarship and research experience meshes perfectly with CALS’ commitment to an interdisciplinary culture and a deeply held belief that effecting meaningful change requires a holistic, systems-based approach to problem-solving,” Kotlikoff said. “His leadership at the Muir Institute – and his own scientific discoveries – have advanced sustainable agriculture and demonstrate a bold vision to promote planetary health and resilience. In addition, his talent for championing faculty and students to help solve the world’s challenges will serve CALS well.”
Director of UC Davis’ John Muir Institute of the Environment since 2016, Houlton oversees 300 faculty affiliates plus 350 postdoctoral researchers, staff, and undergraduate and graduate students who are engaged in cross-disciplinary research aimed at solving the most challenging environmental, economic, human health and welfare problems. Under his leadership, the institute’s revenues have grown from $26 million to $36 million annually.
At the institute, Houlton launched the One Climate initiative and a strategic plan to bolster corporate, philanthropy and foundational giving. As part of his Muir Institute work, Houlton secured $5 million to launch the Working Lands Innovation Center that connects scientists with farmers, ranchers, Native American tribes, business and government in more than 100 acres of farmland carbon sequestration projects.
“It’s important to build on the legacy and tradition of global excellence at Cornell,” said Houlton, who noted work being done to address some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as reducing food insecurity, diminishing climate change, promoting environmental stewardship and maintaining human nutrition.
By 2050, he said, this planet must feed about 10 billion people. “For me, I think of this as an opportunity for faculty and extension experts, expanding upon our basic discoveries for real-world impact,” he said, “and importantly to educate a rich array of diverse students – tomorrow’s change makers – who can lead the world in solving its most critical planetary challenges.”