Dr Joshua Daskin

2024 Rising Star Award

Dr. Joshua Daskin is a distinguished ecologist and conservationist known for his significant contributions to wildlife and ecosystem protection and ecological research. He earned his Master of Science in Zoology as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar at JCU in 2011. His research excellence is reflected in his 23 peer-reviewed publications, including notable papers in Nature and Science, which have been cited over 1400 times.

Daskin's PhD at Princeton University focused on the impacts of war on African wildlife, leading to pioneering studies that gained international acclaim and extensive media coverage. His work provided the first continent-wide quantitative summary of warfare’s effects on Africa’s iconic mammals included elephants, antelope, and buffalo, highlighting the ecological consequences of conflict.

As a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University, Daskin continued fieldwork in Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park contributing to the park's restoration after severe war-induced wildlife declines. His innovative research helped uncover critical ecological resiliencies, informing effective conservation strategies.

Transitioning to applied conservation, Daskin joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where he led assessments of international species under the Endangered Species Act. He received awards for his influential work on species like Eurasian sturgeon and sloths, shaping key policy decisions.

In 2021, Daskin became the inaugural Director of Conservation at Archbold Biological Station in Florida. He spearheads science to inform protection of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a 7.3 million-hectare statewide geography prioritized for conservation. His leadership has helped secure significant public funding and fostered collaborations that drive large-scale conservation initiatives.

Dr. Joshua Daskin’s blend of rigorous research and impactful conservation practice underscores his commitment to preserving biodiversity and advancing ecological science, making him a leading figure in his field and a worthy recipient of JCU’s Rising Star Outstanding Alumni Award.