The California Academy of Sciences presented UC Santa Cruz’s Dan Costa, distinguished professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, with its highest honor at an awards ceremony on October 15. The Fellows Medal is bestowed on “especially prominent scientists who have made outstanding contributions to their specific scientific fields,” according to the San Francisco-based scientific and education institution.
Costa is an internationally recognized expert on the ecology, physiology, and behavior of marine mammals and seabirds. Specifically, Costa studies the physiology, foraging ecology, energy use, and diving behaviors of these animals—focusing on the effects of underwater noise and climate change. In honoring him, the academy cited how Costa’s research has taken him to diverse habitats on every continent, from the Galápagos to Antarctica.
“He has pioneered using electronic tags to study marine mammals' at-sea behavior and distribution, providing an understanding of their habitat needs while simultaneously collecting data on the changing physical characteristics of the ocean,” the academy stated in its announcement. “He works with national and international organizations to integrate his research into policy, and his mentorship of early-career marine vertebrate biologists fosters a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers.”
Costa noted how only four other UC Santa Cruz faculty members have received the award since it was first presented in 1964: Ken Norris, Jean Langenheim, John Pearse, and Sandra Faber. A 2024 Fellows Medal was also given to David Lindbergh, an emeritus UC Berkeley professor, who received his Ph.D. at UC Santa Cruz working with Pearse. Costa has been an Academy Fellow for over 20 years, serving on a governing group comprising more than 500 distinguished scientists and other leaders who have made notable contributions to scientific research, education, and communication.
