Diana H. Wall

Tyler Prize Laureate 2013


Expert on soil biodiversity and climate change


Quick Facts

Born: December 27, 1943, Durham, North Carolina, United States

Affiliation at the time of the award: Colorado State University

Environmental achievement recognized: Recognized for her world-spanning research and for passionate, innovative communication across generations on the vital components of soil; integrating plant pathology, species invasions, climate controls, hydrological cycle impact, and physical processes into an understanding of biological functions, diversity, and ecosystem services of this foundation element of environmental and human well-being.


Get to know Diana H. Wall


Meet the


Ecologist Diana Wall is known for her groundbreaking research on soil biodiversity, nematodes, and ecosystem services. Her work helped us understand how soil organisms influence carbon cycling, climate change, and sustainable agriculture. Wall conducted field research across all seven continents, notably Antarctica. A widely-published author and scientific leader, she mentored researchers around the world and engaged the public with strong science communication. The founding director of Colorado State University’s Global Environmental Sustainability School, she worked to raise awareness about the importance of healthy soils for the Earth system.