About A Alonso
Dr. A. Alonso Aguirre is Presidential Advisor for Global Impact and Strategic Alliances at Colorado State University (CSU). He previously served as Dean of the Warner College of Natural Resources. A two-time CSU alumnus and recipient of the College’s Distinguished Alumni Award, he is committed to advancing globally engaged, transdisciplinary solutions to pressing environmental and sustainability challenges. An internationally recognized expert in wildlife health, infectious disease ecology, conservation medicine, and One Health, Dr. Aguirre brings more than 35 years of experience at the intersection of ecosystem health, biodiversity conservation, and policy. His leadership emphasizes experiential education, socio-ecological resilience, and the preparation of future environmental leaders equipped to navigate an increasingly complex world. Prior to returning to CSU, Dr. Aguirre was Professor and Chair of the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at George Mason University, where he advanced programs integrating wildlife disease ecology, human health, and global sustainability. His work spans more than 30 countries, focusing on endangered species, ecosystem resilience, and community-based conservation. Dr. Aguirre co-founded the field of Conservation Medicine, the journal EcoHealth, and the International Association for Ecology and Health. He has authored over 180 peer-reviewed publications and five books, and has served on the National Academy of Sciences’ Board on Life Sciences and as an expert contributor to IPBES. He has advised governments across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and has briefed both the U.S. and Mexican Congress on environmental and health issues. His contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including Mexico’s Conservation Merit Bicentennial Award and Finland’s Harry Jalanka Memorial Medal.