RCC Life Sciences Professor Tonya Huff Named “Naturalist of the Year” by Western Society of Naturalists
Riverside City College (RCC) proudly announces that Tonya Huff, Ph.D., Professor of Biology in the Life Sciences Department, has been selected as the 2024 “Naturalist of the Year” by the Western Society of Naturalists (WSN). Founded in 1916, WSN is one of the nation’s oldest scientific societies dedicated to advancing ecology, evolution, natural history, and marine biology.
Huff received the honor in recognition of her extensive contributions to conservation biology and her longstanding commitment to educating and inspiring the next generation of scientists. The award was presented on November 7, where Claudia Avila, Ph.D.—an RCC alumna, former student of Huff, and now an assistant professor of Environmental and Ocean Sciences at the University of San Diego—introduced her mentor and highlighted the profound impact Huff has made throughout her career.
In addition to this distinguished recognition from WSN, Huff has also been selected as one of only five Chancellor’s Climate Fellows statewide by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. The fellowship honors her leadership in climate action and sustainability education. At RCC, she serves as faculty chair of the Sustainability Committee and co-advisor to the Student Sustainability Collective, where she actively engages students in research, environmental stewardship, and campus-wide sustainability initiatives.
“Tonya Huff, Ph.D., is an extraordinary educator and scientist whose passion for natural history and conservation has shaped countless student experiences at RCC,” said Scott Herrick, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology and Chair of the Life Sciences Department. “Her work embodies the spirit of curiosity, mentorship, and environmental stewardship that defines our department. This recognition from the Western Society of Naturalists is incredibly well deserved.”
Riverside City College congratulates Huff on this outstanding achievement and celebrates her continued leadership, scholarship, and commitment to student success.