Montana Tech announces Robert Pal as interim director for Ripple

Montana Technological University has named Dr. Robert Pal interim director of Ripple: The Center for Education and Ecosystem Studies.

Ripple serves communities across Montana and throughout the Clark Fork Watershed by providing place-based environmental education through student programs, teacher professional development, and public engagement and outreach.

“Dr. Pal’s experience in restoration ecology and his commitment to environmental education make him an outstanding choice to lead Ripple during this transition,” Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate School Dr. Katie Hailer said.  “Ripple plays an important role in connecting Montana Tech’s environmental research with students, educators, and communities throughout the Clark Fork Watershed and the state. We are excited to see the program continue to grow under his leadership.”

Pal is a professor and director of restoration within Montana Tech’s Biological Sciences Department. He holds a master’s in agriculture and a Ph.D. in Biology/Plant Ecology. His research has long centered on the study of flora and vegetation in disturbed habitats, including agricultural and urban landscapes. This work naturally led him to focus on ecological restoration and plant invasions. Pal was instrumental in the development of the Ecological Restoration certificate and master’s programs at Montana Tech and has led these programs since. He also serves as president of the Montana Native Plant Society.

In his role with Ripple, Pal will guide the program’s continued efforts connecting students, educators, and communities with environmental science and stewardship.

“It is my absolute pleasure to serve as the interim executive director of Ripple,” Pal said.  “Our work has long overlapped over the past decade in and around the Clark Fork Watershed. In addition to volunteering with CFWEP, I actively collaborate with the team to train landowners in low-tech, process-based restoration approaches that enhance drought resilience and improve water management. I look forward to the challenge and the opportunity to further strengthen these partnerships, integrate Ripple’s mission more deeply into Montana Tech’s broader environmental initiatives, and help identify the program’s next director.”

For more information about Ripple: The Center for Education and Ecosystem Studies, visit ripplemt.org.