Session Summary

This Pathways 2017 Conference special session is organized as a tribute to the life and work of Dr. Kellert and includes two sections: Part I is a selection of invited presentations from Dr.Kellert’s former students,... [ view full abstract ]

This Pathways 2017 Conference special session is organized as a tribute to the life and work of Dr. Kellert and includes two sections: Part I is a selection of invited presentations from Dr.Kellert’s former students, colleagues, and collaborators. These presentations directly or indirectly build off of Dr. Kellert’s research and outreach efforts. Part II includes related research and outreach projects inspired by the work of Dr. Kellert.

Dr. Stephen Kellert was a leader and pioneer in the theory and science of human relationships to nature and wildlife. Throughout the 1970s and 80s he published seminal research on human attitudes towards carnivores and other species, explored cultural factors influencing human-animal relations, and helped reveal trends in human use, values, and perceptions related to wildlife. Dr. Kellert worked with Dr. E.O. Wilson to co-edit The Biophilia Hypothesis, which included contributions from leading thinkers around the globe documenting the interest and attraction that people demonstrate towards animals. His interest in the human need for nature was broad and resulted in a diverse and rich research legacy. He served on committees of the National Academy of Sciences, was a member of the board of directors of many organizations, and received numerous awards and honors during his lifetime. He authored and co-authored more than 150 publications. He was a wonderful mentor to his students and an inspiration to the next generations of human dimensions researchers.