Robert Keys, Ph.D.

Dr. Rob Keys is a professor of environmental biology and science education at Cornerstone University. Dr. Keys brings his dedication to creation care into each class he teaches, inspiring students to examine the ways in which they can be stewards of God’s creation. He also encourages students to examine and explore the beauty of creation around them. He’s well-known by his students for providing coffee on early-morning bird watching excursions. He teaches classes such as Ecology, Field Biology (including in Florida and Northern Ireland), Ornithology, Vertebrate Biology and science education courses for elementary and secondary pre-service teachers.

Dr. Keys received his Ph.D. in science education from Western Michigan University. His dissertation, titled “The Interactions Between an Orthodox Christian Worldview and Environmental Attitudes and Beliefs—for the Purpose of Developing Better Instructional Practice in Support of Environmental/Ecological Attitudes and Knowledge,” explored how undergraduate students across the spectrum of belief view and respond to ecological issues at different levels. In addition, he holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornerstone and a master’s from Gannon University. Dr. Keys regularly presents on topics of bird biology, animal movement and science education practices at regional and national wildlife and education conferences.

Before joining Cornerstone’s faculty, Dr. Keys served as the director of Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids and Asbury Woods Nature Center in Erie, Pa. He has also served as a research faculty member for the Au Sable Institute for Environmental Studies. He enjoys spending time hiking, kayaking, taking photos of wildlife, traveling and spending time with his wife, Laura, and their two daughters’ families.