Phil Levin is a conservation scientist whose work bridges the gap between theory and practice and between the social and natural sciences. His research focuses on developing interdisciplinary approaches to conserve marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems while supporting the communities that depend on them.

Before joining the University of Washington, Levin served as Director of the first-ever National Nature Assessment in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (2023–2025), where he led a nationwide effort to assess the state of nature across the United States. This work continues through the United by Nature Initiative. Before his time at the White House, he was a Senior Scientist at NOAA Fisheries’ Northwest Fisheries Science Center, where he led Integrated Ecosystem Assessment efforts for the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem and Puget Sound, developing innovative tools to evaluate ecosystem health and inform management in the face of climate change.

Levin has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and technical reports and is the editor of Conservation of the Anthropocene Ocean: Interdisciplinary Approaches for Nature and People. His research has been featured by NPR, PBS, The New York Times, the BBC, MSNBC, and The Economist.

His contributions to conservation science have been recognized with the U.S. Department of Commerce Silver Award, NOAA’s Bronze Medal, and the Seattle Aquarium Conservation Research Award. He earned his Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of New Hampshire and completed postdoctoral research at the University of North Carolina.

As Director of the University of Washington’s School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, Levin is committed to advancing interdisciplinary research, educating the next generation of environmental leaders, and developing science-based solutions to today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Learn more about Phil on his Faculty page!