Rate My Professor Dustin Rubenstein

Rubenstein's research program takes an integrative approach grounded in mathematical theory to explore how social and ecological environments shape behavior via molecular, neural, neuroendocrine, physiological, and genomic mechanisms. Focusing on the evolution of cooperation, complex societies, parental care, and mate choice, he studies terrestrial vertebrates and invertebrates (birds, reptiles, mammals, insects) across all continents except Antarctica, as well as aquatic organisms like crustaceans, amphibians, and fishes. His work addresses adaptive responses to environmental change, including climate variability. With nearly 150 publications, Rubenstein authored the textbook Animal Behavior, 12th Edition (Oxford University Press, 2022), and co-edited Comparative Social Evolution. Highly cited papers include "From birds to butterflies: animal movement patterns and stable isotopes" (Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 2004), "The ecology of stress: effects of the social environment" (Functional Ecology, 2012), and "Evolutionary tipping points in the capacity to adapt to environmental change" (PNAS, 2015). He serves as Specialty Chief Editor for the Evolutionary Ecology of Social Behavior section of Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, and Associate Editor for Science Advances and Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. Among his honors are Fellowships from the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Ornithological Society, National Academy of Sciences Kavli and Education Fellowships, Columbia's Lenfest Distinguished Faculty Award, Provost’s Senior Faculty Teaching Scholar, and Great Teacher Award. Rubenstein led the development of the Program in Tropical Biology and Sustainability—a semester abroad in Africa—and the sTEAM Fellows Program for underrepresented undergraduates in STEM.