2025 Fellows
David Walters
David M. Walters, PhD, is a Research Ecologist and Chief of the Ecology Branch at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Columbia Environmental Research Center. His research focuses on the effects of human stressors on the form, function, and structure of aquatic and riparian ecosystems with an emphasis on food web dynamics and contaminants. He began his career at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Exposure Research Laboratory in 2002 before joining the USGS in 2008. His publications have addressed the impacts of contaminants, land use and climate change, invasive species, and hydrologic alteration on aquatic and riparian organisms, and are geared toward furthering the conservation and restoration of these valued ecosystems. He received an M.S. and Ph.D. from the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia.
Selections from David's Fellows nomination and letters of support:
“The research area now known as contaminant ecology has been an incredibly productive over the last 15 years. In part this is because David’s work introduced conceptual frameworks that inspired and guided research by other groups, leading to the discipline’s quick advancement. These studies and frameworks are now found in textbooks and syllabi for courses on topics of stream ecology, ecotoxicology, and environmental contaminant dynamics and help to inspire the next generation of scientists to pursue this area of expertise … Beyond the more traditional scientific venues, David connects his research to decision making (e.g., Grand Canyon management and the uranium mining moratorium, Great Lakes Areas of Concern restoration) and in doing so sets an example for how to lead a policy-engaged research career.”
“David is widely seen as a leader. He has a knack for connecting people, problems, and projects and is highly skilled in the big picture thinking and interdisciplinary synthesis that results in compelling and impactful research … His leadership and mentoring go hand-in-hand as he cares very much about the success and career development of others. He shows this commitment by creating opportunities for scientists across career stages to take part in large and impactful collaborations and by advocating for scientists with diverse backgrounds and personal circumstances. I have steered several of my graduate students and postdocs to David for advice about how to prepare for agency careers and I have never seen him be anything but kind, humble, and generous in these interactions."
"David has taught me how to be a better scientist and mentor and I’m inspired by his example of what an impactful research program can look like. I fully support his nomination to the Fellows of the Society for Freshwater Science and suspect he will use this honor to continue growing SFS through his research, leadership, and mentoring."