Allan Strong is the Interim Dean of the Rubenstein School and a Professor in the Wildlife and Fisheries Biology program. He is a Fellow of the American Ornithological Society and serves as the Chair of Vermont’s Endangered species committee. His research focuses on bird ecology and conservation. Dr. Strong served as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Faculty Development in the Rubenstein School from 2011 to 2019. During his tenure as Associate Dean he led an equity assessment of the Rubenstein School and he was instrumental in revising the School’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) curriculum. Dr. Strong is a member of the School’s IDEA Committee and spent his sabbatical in 2021-2022 implementing DEI education and professional development activities for faculty and staff. He was appointed Interim Dean in June 2022.

Dr. Strong’s research focuses on the effects of anthropogenic habitat modification (e.g., ski resorts, urbanization, and agricultural management) on bird populations. Much of his current work investigates the economic and ecological feasibility of implementing bird-friendly management practices for grassland birds in the Champlain Valley. His research has also investigated tropical ecology of Neotropical migratory birds, the role of birds as seed dispersers, the ecology of high elevation bird species, and the role of birds in trophic level interactions. He is a strong proponent of the mental health benefits of ornitherapy.