Neeti Bathala

Dr. Bathala brings almost two decades of experience in higher education, teaching undergraduate ecology and environmental sciences. She currently teaches in the Department of Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science at Drexel University in Philadelphia and is also an instructor for adult learners at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Duke University.

An ecologist by training, Dr. Bathala has worked across ecosystems worldwide, from tropical and marine environments in the Caribbean and Central America to Alaska’s sub-Arctic boreal forests. She was selected as a Fulbright Specialist (2024–2027) for her international conservation work, reflecting her commitment to studying and teaching across diverse biomes. She holds degrees from Rutgers University (B.S.), Temple University (M.A.), Duke University (M.E.M.), and the University of Georgia (Ph.D.).

During her graduate studies, Dr. Bathala contributed to a National Science Foundation (NSF) project investigating carbon allocation across North America's biomes. She conducted fieldwork at numerous NSF Long Term Ecological Research Network (LTER) sites, including the Bonanza Creek LTER in Alaska’s boreal forests. Over two summer seasons, she maximized the Alaskan midnight sun to collect data along the Tanana River and stayed at a reindeer research facility in Denali National Park. These experiences allowed her to gain valuable firsthand experience with the region's unique environment.

Dr. Bathala completed National Science Foundation (NSF) postdoctoral training in global conservation biology, focusing on tropical island and marine ecosystems in Belize, Hawaii, and the Galápagos Islands. She first studied tropical ecosystems in Costa Rica as a Duke University student and has since returned repeatedly to teach and conduct research at multiple biological stations in the tropics.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Bathala is an award-winning author of children’s literature and is involved in community public education on coastal and environmental issues. She is deeply committed to projects encouraging STEM, particularly for women in the sciences. She serves on the Board of Advisors of the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University.

Language spoken: English