David O’Hara

David O’Hara is a professor, environmentalist and advocate for sustainable change. Raised by a father with deep reverence for land and ecosystems and a mother with a strong commitment to social justice, he learned the importance of working for communal benefit. He champions practical solutions rooted in philosophical pragmatism. From fostering healthy urban agricultural ecosystems, to supporting Indigenous cultures, his work aims to create a more sustainable and just world. As a professor at Augustana University, he established programs that foster a new generation of leaders. The Bush Fellowship will help him expand his work in ways that he hopes will affect his entire state. He will take a sabbatical to travel and enhance his learning. He also plans to take courses that will fill his knowledge gaps in laboratory sciences and visit key sites and meet with groundbreaking individuals around the world to learn from them directly. He hopes to inspire others to embrace the idea that “flourishing is mutual” and the imperative of collective action for a thriving planet.

What has informed your approach to leading change in your community?

My father instilled in me a reverence for land and ecosystems, while my mother’s commitment to justice shaped my worldview. As a professor, I try to navigate my privilege, and recognize the responsibility it entails. I think of the biblical tale of Esther that highlights the transformative power of seizing opportunities for communal benefit. I hope to emulate Esther’s courage, leveraging my position to effect positive change.

Who is your dream dinner guest?

A mentor of mine, Don Reginaldo Chayax Huex. His wisdom and generosity had a profound impact on me because of his belief in the mutual exchange of knowledge. I admire his commitment to sharing wisdom that is gleaned from the forest. Our meal would be reminiscent of the Day of the Dead celebration as a way to show both a shared appreciation for cultural traditions and a reverence for the interconnectedness of all life.