Dr. Dieter Mueller-Dombois has been a professor of plant ecology in the Department of Botany at the University of Hawai`i since 1963. He is well known as a teacher, researcher, and conservation advocate specializing in understanding the dynamics of plant communities in Hawai`i and the Pacific Islands. During his career he has served as an inspirational model for a whole new generation of people involved with conservation in Hawai`i, as well as throughout the entire Pacific. He has helped shape the character and direction of more than 30 graduate students through the University of Hawai`i, including many who are now important members of the conservation community, not only in Hawai`i, but worldwide. He has authored nearly 200 scientific publications including five books, several of which serve as standards in their field.

Although he officially retired from teaching at the University in 1990, he has continued to conduct field studies as well as organize research programs both in Hawai`i and across the Pacific. He has previously received the Gilford Pinchot Award of the US Forest Service for forest ecology research in Hawai`i, the Merit Award for Distinguished Service at the University of Hawai`i, the Hawai`i Governor’s Award for service with the State Natural Area Reserves System, and the prestigious Rinhold Tüxen Prize in recognition of his outstanding international achievements in vegetation ecology.