tom herman
Tom Herman is an educator, scientist, and conservationist whose career spans more than 40 years at the intersection of people and biodiversity. A Professor Emeritus of Biology and former Vice-President Academic at Acadia University, Tom has published extensively, delivered hundreds of presentations, and supervised more than one hundred thesis students, shaping generations of researchers and conservation leaders.
As a population biologist, Tom focuses on the dynamics and conservation of small and isolated populations, the role of science in managing protected areas, and the complex impacts of globalization on biodiversity. He is also a champion of citizen science and community-driven stewardship, recognizing its importance in recovery efforts for species at risk. Increasingly, his work integrates Indigenous traditional knowledge and the principles of Two-Eyed Seeing, reflecting his commitment to collaborative, culturally grounded approaches to global biodiversity challenges.
Tom has conducted research across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in North and Central America, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. In recent years, he and his students have concentrated their efforts in southwest Nova Scotia, developing spatially and socially informed management models for vulnerable and culturally significant species.
He serves on the Board of the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute in Mi’kma’ki and contributes to several national and regional advisory committees focused on endangered biodiversity, including as Co-Chair of COSEWIC’s Amphibian and Reptile Specialist Subcommittee. Locally, Tom chairs the Board of the Rotary Clubs of Kings County Charitable Foundation, is a Past President of the Mud Creek Rotary Club of Wolfville, and co-chaired the Local Organizing Committee for Y2Y 2025.
As a member of the HIP Board, Tom brings deep expertise in environmental science, cross-cultural collaboration, and community-based conservation. His commitment to integrating Western science with Indigenous knowledge strengthens HIP’s mission to honour Indigenous Peoples, support Indigenous youth, and build respectful, meaningful relationships that contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.