Stony Brook University has announced that Dr. Dino J. Martins will assume the role of director at the Turkana Basin Institute (TBI) starting September 1, 2024. Dr. Martins, a Kenyan entomologist and evolutionary biologist, has been associated with TBI since 2011 and served as CEO of TBI (Kenya) Ltd. since August 2022.
In his new position, Dr. Martins will guide the institute's vision and strategy to enhance its legacy in research concerning human origins and environmental challenges. His responsibilities will include overseeing recruitment, faculty evaluation, facility development, and fundraising activities.
Dr. Martins takes over from Dr. Lawrence Martin, who led TBI since 2007 and will now serve as director emeritus to assist with fundraising efforts by organizing donor visits to Kenya.
Carl Lejuez, Provost of Stony Brook University, stated: "As Lawrence and Dino have worked hand-in-hand over the last several years, this will be a seamless transition in the leadership of TBI. I am grateful to Lawrence for his outstanding leadership of TBI, and I look forward to working with Dino to build upon the incredible foundation that has been established and to elevate TBI to even greater heights."
Dr. Martins earned his PhD in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology from Harvard University in 2011 after obtaining a B.A. in Anthropology from Indiana University and an M.Sc. in Botany from the University of KwaZulu Natal.
His previous roles include resident academic director of the TBI Origins Field School and executive director of Mpala Research Center in Laikipia, Kenya.
Martins' research contributions at Turkana Basin include discovering new bee species and co-leading the Turkana Genome Project which examines interactions between human genes and environments.
The Turkana Basin Institute was founded by Richard Leakey as part of Stony Brook University’s initiative to support field research logistics in sub-Saharan Africa through facilities like TBI-Turkwel and TBI-Ileret campuses.
Stony Brook University is recognized for its commitment to innovation across various fields including healthcare systems, academic programs, economic growth initiatives on Long Island totaling $7.23 billion annually.