HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY • OFFICE FOR RESEARCH & SPONSORED PROGRAMS
SPRING 2026 ISSUE 13
The Grant Seeker A SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE IN GRANT DEVELOPMENT BY A HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE
J Bret Bennington
Dr. J Bret Bennington is professor of geology in the Department of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability at Hofstra University, where he has been a dedicated faculty member since 1993. He earned his PhD in Paleontology from Virginia Tech and a BS in Biology/Geology from the University of Rochester. In the course of more than three decades at Hofstra, Dr. Bennington has cultivated an eclectic and impactful program of research spanning paleontology, regional geology, sustainability, and science education. His long-standing commitment to teaching, mentorship, and public engagement has earned him numerous honors, including the Nassau BOCES Education Partner Award (2023) and the National Association of Geoscience Teachers’ prestigious Neil Miner Award (2019) for exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth sciences. His work is the quintessence of Hofstra’s R2 research university designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a testament to the University’s dedication to research, innovation, and societal impact.
Dr. Bennington’s research career began with a focus on marine fossil assemblages and the development of improved statistical methods for sampling the fossil record. His work has helped paleoecologists collect higherquality data while reducing the amount of fieldwork required, thereby advancing the study of long-term ecological change. Over time, his interests expanded to include the geological history of Long Island and the natural processes that shaped its unique landscapes. More recently, he has explored ways to promote suburban sustainability through community gardens, native landscaping, and environmentally conscious land use. Central to Dr. Bennington’s work is a deep commitment to education and mentorship. He works closely with undergraduate students on campusbased and independent research projects. Many of these projects introduce him to new and unfamiliar subject areas, fostering intellectual curiosity and collaborative learning. He explains, “Student projects are often outside of my area of expertise, forcing me to learn new fields and work outside of my comfort zone, which is always exciting.” Through these experiences, students gain valuable professional skills and contribute meaningfully to research and community-focused initiatives. Maintaining an active, grant-funded program has enabled Dr. Bennington to support a wide range of interdisciplinary projects that blend research, community outreach, and educational innovation. His funding portfolio includes major awards from the National Science Foundation, New York State Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the Governor’s Office
Hofstra thanks you!
of Storm Recovery. These grants have supported opportunities for students to gain hands-on professional experience and helped strengthen geology, sustainability, and STEM education programs across campus and in the surrounding community. Reflecting on his career at Hofstra, Dr. Bennington credits the institution’s supportive and flexible environment for allowing him to pursue a diverse range of scholarly interests. “Hofstra offered me a job 33 years ago, so I showed up,” he says with characteristic humor. He noted that Hofstra has supported his research by providing an inspiring work environment where he has had the freedom to pursue his interests. His work consistently focuses on sharing a love of natural history with educators, students, and the broader public, an effort he believes multiplies the impact of scientific discovery. He notes, “If you get a teacher excited about learning something, they will continue to pass that excitement along to their students, multiplying your impact one hundredfold.” Above all, Dr. Bennington finds his greatest satisfaction in collaborating with students and colleagues. He credits these partnerships as key drivers of his success in securing grant funding and advancing meaningful projects. Through his research, mentorship, and commitment to public education, Dr. Bennington continues to foster curiosity about the natural world while helping students and communities better understand and appreciate the environment around them. We celebrate Dr. Bennington’s excellence in grant seeking and his enduring commitment to student success, sustainability, and scientific engagement.
Your scholarly achievements enhance Hofstra’s reputation as a leading educational institution. If you are interested in pursuing a grant opportunity or have any questions, please contact ORSP at 516-463-6810.