Golden State Today

The University of California, Davis has announced the appointment of Stephanie Hampton as the new director of the Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) and professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy. Hampton, currently serving as deputy division director at Carnegie Science Biosphere Science and Engineering, will assume her new role in spring 2025.

Hampton's leadership will focus on expanding TERC's scientific contributions and outreach activities. She plans to collaborate with staff and stakeholders to explore opportunities for advancing research on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems beyond Lake Tahoe. Her responsibilities will include fostering responsible stewardship in operations, educational efforts, interdisciplinary research, and building a larger community of financial supporters for TERC.

“I am honored to join TERC and build on an enduring record of excellence in research, education and stakeholder engagement for both regional and international impact,” said Hampton. “This is a rare opportunity to align my research interests with a collaborative team of world-class scientists in a setting that is an absolute treasure.”

Simon Atkinson, vice chancellor for research at UC Davis, praised Hampton's scholarly achievements: “Hampton brings a strong record of scholarly achievement in aquatic and interdisciplinary environmental research, innovative approaches to education, understanding of the federal landscape of policy and funding and a record of success in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Hampton has been involved in freshwater ecology research for two decades. Her work includes studying climate change impacts on water quality, human safety, biodiversity, and global nutrient cycles using data from lakes like Lake Baikal in Siberia and Lake Washington in Seattle.

Her academic career includes roles such as assistant professor at the University of Idaho; deputy director for the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis at UC Santa Barbara; director at Washington State University's Center for Environmental Research, Education and Outreach; professor at WSU’s School of the Environment; director for NSF’s Division of Environmental Biology.

Hampton holds degrees from the University of Kansas (bachelor’s), University of Nevada (master’s), Las Vegas Dartmouth College (doctorate). She is President of the Ecological Society America Fellow Association Sciences Limnology Oceanography recipient Ramón Margalef Award Excellence Education 2020 previously served Chair Advisory Committee NSF Biological Sciences 2017-2018 member 2016-2017.

Alex Forrest interim TERC director facilitate transition following retirement Geoff Schladow. “On behalf Office Research colleagues TERC thank Alex invaluable leadership interim director,” said Atkinson. “Alex leading contributor success TERC ultimate impact.”