David Baum

About the Author

David Baum is a distinguished evolutionary biologist and educator whose work bridges the gap between complex scientific concepts and accessible understanding. With a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, he has spent decades advancing the field of phylogenetic biology, exploring how evolutionary trees illuminate the history of life on Earth. Baum's passion for making science engaging shines through in his teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he inspires students to think critically about biodiversity and adaptation. His writing demystifies phylogenetics for students, researchers, and curious minds alike, emphasizing the power of tree thinking to reveal patterns in nature. Beyond academia, Baum contributes to public science outreach, advocating for evidence-based approaches to conservation and evolution education in an era of rapid environmental change.