Michael Webster

Michael Mehta Webster is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Environmental Studies. He earned a Ph.D. in Zoology at Oregon State University, and a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin.

Webster is an expert in ecology, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, and philanthropy. His research focusses on how to promote the adaptation of species and ecosystems to ongoing environmental change.  Much of his recent work has centered on reef-building corals, which are struggling to adjust to warming ocean temperatures and a host of other environmental changes. Webster is also the author of the forthcoming book, The Rescue Effect: The Key to Saving Life on Earth, which describes nature’s innate ability to persist during environmental change and the growing set of tools that people can apply to facilitate adaptation.

Prior to joining NYU, Webster led efforts to improve the management and conservation of coral reefs as the Executive Director of the Coral Reef Alliance, and of wild Pacific salmon as a Program Officer at the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. He has also held positions as a Visiting Research Scientist at NYU, a Visiting Professor of Practice at Cornell University, and a Postdoctoral Researcher at Oregon State University.

Ph.D., Major in Zoology, Minor in Statistics, Oregon State University, Department of Zoology (1996-2001)

B.S., Major with Honors in Zoology, University of Wisconsin – Madison (1992-1996)