Terra Argentina: Exploring Biology and Evolution in South America

Dr. Lee Kats

Professor of Biology

Vice Provost

Frank R. Seaver Chair of Natural Science

Natural Science Division, Seaver College

Dr. Lee Kats' current research is focused on the ecology and conservation biology of stream animals. This includes examining possible causes of amphibian decline. He and his students focus their studies on the effects of ultraviolet radiation, wildfire, and the introduction of exotic species. He has a significant background in the areas of animal behavior, conservation, animal ecology, tropical biology, and stream ecology. Dr. Kats conducts most of his research in the Santa Monica Mountains of Southern California; however, he also leads classes and conducts research in Costa Rica and Argentina.

Dr. Kats has taught at Pepperdine for over 30 years. He currently serves as the Vice Provost of the University, as well as Academic Director of the Center for Faith and the Common Good, and a professor of biology. To learn more about Dr. Kats' current research with Pepperdine students, visit the Behavioral Ecology Research Laboratory website.

Dr. Edward J. Larson

University Professor

Hugh & Hazel Darling Chair in Law

Caruso School of Law

Ed Larson holds the Hugh and Hazel Darling Chair in Law and is University Professor of History at Pepperdine University. Originally from Ohio with a PhD in the history of science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and law degree from Harvard, Larson has lectured on all seven continents and taught at Stanford Law School, University of Melbourne, Leiden University, and the University of Georgia, where he chaired the History Department. Prior to become a professor, Larson practiced law in Seattle and served as counsel for the US House of Representatives in Washington, DC. He received an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Ohio State University but still roots for the University of Wisconsin in football.

Recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in History and numerous other awards for writing and teaching, Larson is the author or co-author of fourteen books and over one hundred published articles. A popular lecturer, Larson has taught short courses at universities in China, Europe, and South America; and given addresses at over 80 American universities. A popular lecturer, Larson has taught short courses at universities in China, Europe, and South America; and given addresses at over 80 American universities.