CNRx Co-Directors

Dr. Don Rakow, Cornell University

Dr. Don Rakow has been a member of the Cornell faculty since 1987. Don is an associate professor in the Section of Horticulture in Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science. Don served as the Elizabeth Newman Wilds Director of Cornell Botanic Gardens (formerly Cornell Plantations) from 1996 – 2013, and as Plantations’ associate director from 1993 to 1995. Don is co-director of theCampus Nature Rx Network. He continues to be actively involved in teaching, research, and undergraduate and graduate advising. Don created and co-directs the Cornell Graduate Program in Public Garden Leadership. Don’s research includes a focus on the impact of time in nature on human health and behavior. Don is also the co-author of Nature Rx: Improving College Student Mental Health.

Dr. Dorothy Ibes, William & Mary

Dr. Dorothy Ibes has been faculty in William & Mary's Environment & Sustainability program since 2013. Dorothy is also the founder and director of the Parks & Ecotherapy Research Lab (PERL, Est. 2009), a certified ecotherapy guide, and co-director of the Campus Nature Rx Network. A human-environment geographer, Dorothy’s research, teaching, outreach, and ecotherapy work explores mutually-beneficial human-nature relationships, with a focus on promoting mental health and environmental stewardship through nature engagement. Her use-inspired, interdisciplinary teaching and research integrates theory and practice from nature and health, ecopsychology, ecotherapy, environmental psychology, human-environment geography, environmental justice, and urban park planning.