Bard Professor Felicia Keesing Elected a Fellow of the British Ecological Society
ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y.— Felicia Keesing, the David and Rosalie Rose Distinguished Professor of Science, Mathematics, and Computing at Bard College, has been elected a fellow of the British Ecological Society (BES). The fellowship is bestowed in recognition of outstanding contributions to ecology through research, teaching, leadership, policy, and the practical application of ecological science. BES is the oldest ecological society in the world, and brings ecological experts together to seek science-based solutions for some of the most pressing challenges of our time.Keesing is a community ecologist who studies the consequences of interactions among species, particularly as biodiversity declines. Her recent work focuses on how biodiversity influences the probability that humans and other animals will be exposed to infectious diseases. She has worked in Kenya since 1995, studying how the disappearance of elephants, giraffes, and other large mammals influences the way African savannas function. Keesing has also worked extensively to improve biology education for undergraduate students.
Founded over a century ago, the British Ecological Society was the first Society in the world committed to understanding our earth through ecology, the science studying the relationship between living things and their environment. That goal remains today with a global community spanning 120 countries and a strategic mission to find ecological solutions for a planet under threat.
Separately, Keesing has also been awarded a month-long residency by the Rockefeller Foundation, an organization that promotes the well-being of humanity by finding and scaling solutions that advance opportunity and reverse the climate crisis. The residency will take place at the Bellagio Center on Lake Como in Italy, a retreat center funded by the foundation. Residencies at the Bellagio Center are intended to foster 'breakthroughs essential to humanity’s well-being.' The Center’s residency program has hosted Nobel Laureates, economists, writers, Supreme Court justices, and world leaders.
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About Bard College
Founded in 1860, Bard College is a four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences located 90 miles north of New York City. With the addition of the Montgomery Place and Massena properties, Bard’s campus consists of more than 1,200 parklike acres in the Hudson River Valley. It offers bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and bachelor of music degrees, with majors in nearly 40 academic programs; advanced degrees through 13 graduate programs; nine early colleges; and numerous dual-degree programs nationally and internationally. Building on its 165-year history as a competitive and innovative undergraduate institution, Bard College has expanded its mission as a private institution acting in the public interest across the country and around the world to meet broader student needs and increase access to liberal arts education. The undergraduate program at the main campus in upstate New York has a reputation for scholarly excellence, a focus on the arts, and civic engagement. Bard is committed to enriching culture, public life, and democratic discourse by training tomorrow’s thought leaders. For more information about Bard College, visit bard.edu.
Founded in 1860, Bard College is a four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences located 90 miles north of New York City. With the addition of the Montgomery Place and Massena properties, Bard’s campus consists of more than 1,200 parklike acres in the Hudson River Valley. It offers bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and bachelor of music degrees, with majors in nearly 40 academic programs; advanced degrees through 13 graduate programs; nine early colleges; and numerous dual-degree programs nationally and internationally. Building on its 165-year history as a competitive and innovative undergraduate institution, Bard College has expanded its mission as a private institution acting in the public interest across the country and around the world to meet broader student needs and increase access to liberal arts education. The undergraduate program at the main campus in upstate New York has a reputation for scholarly excellence, a focus on the arts, and civic engagement. Bard is committed to enriching culture, public life, and democratic discourse by training tomorrow’s thought leaders. For more information about Bard College, visit bard.edu.
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This event was last updated on 01-27-2026
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